Introducing HomeLearners Network (HLN) Guide, Tanya Baker!
Responsible for creating the most-clicked Anytime Activities on our website, Tanya has been an educator for 26 years and enjoys HLN for its role as an inclusive, supportive and imaginative space for kids and teens to discover their passions and connect. She started her journey as an educator in the Cowichan Valley School District as a classroom and learning support teacher. She’s also run her own tutoring business and has worked with SelfDesign Learning Foundation (SDLF) since 2009.
Tanya’s home learning experience with her own boys drew her to become an HLN Guide. “I’ve had a blast engaging in home learning activities with my own kiddos over the years, and wanted to dive into creative, hands-on activities with HLN,” said Tanya. “I enjoy sharing my interests through fun and supportive activities, and felt HLN and I would be a great fit.”
Home learning has been an enriching experience for her family, and she boasts that her youngest son just graduated in June 2021. “It‘s been so wonderful to see him follow his passions in art, animation and game design throughout his home learning journey! He’s looking forward to pursuing an art degree at VIU starting next year.”
In 2006, Tanya and her family hopped into their van and went on an adventure travelling across Canada for two months. “It was an amazing time seeing our beautiful country – taking the roads less travelled and taking time to explore each province from coast to coast,” she said.
From drawing to experiments, Tanya is there every step of the way
In Realtime At Home Activities (AHAs), Tanya is there to facilitate interdisciplinary activities such as drawing, storytelling, writing, experiments, movement and other interactive exercises like learning about growth mindset and stop motion, to name a few.
“Each Realtime is a bit different—there’s a chance for introductions, a fun warm-up or lead-in activity, and exploration into the topic,” she said. “Opportunities to reflect/share what you’re doing are woven in, along with group celebrations.”
Tanya is a self-described dreamer, doodler and maker. “I always have something new that I’m learning—I love tinkering and creating,” she explained.
Ten years ago she decided to take a few drawing and painting lessons and it resulted in her diving deeper into artistic pursuits. “I try to draw every day which might be a quick sketch on paper or a digital drawing using Procreate on my iPad,” she said.
Designing mindfulness colouring sheets with inspirational messages is one of Tanya’s favourite pastimes, but pursuing artistic projects of all kinds is a constant. “My favourite days as a kid were full of crafting and painting, and that still holds true. There’s always something creative going on at our house—whether it’s drawing, painting, animating on the computer, impromptu sewing, crafting projects, digital design, or screen printing t-shirts as gifts,” said Tanya. She even carries a colour wheel with her everywhere she goes!
Inspired by colourful environments, being out in nature, and connecting with creative people, her go-to place for inspiration is traveling to a beach with a sketchbook, colour wheel and markers in hand. She adds, “I’m also inspired by the creativity of kids and teens in HLN activities!”
Why join an HLN activity?
“”Great question!” she enthusiastically replied. “There are so many reasons…to have fun, hang out with friends, share some laughs, and learn neat things! It’s a safe and supportive space where you can try out activities, or dive further into your interests.”
Do you and your kids want to take an Activity with Tanya? Check out Tanya’s profile on HomeLearners Network and sign up for one today! All of our activities can be done as a family, with friends or kids can do them solo! And no matter what, they’re all offered with the support of a passionate educator like Tanya.
