As we work to prepare places for optimum learning and living with purpose and meaning, one idea that needs to be added to a prepared environment—consisting of people, ideas, tools, objects and the natural world—is how we help others obtain independence. Stephen Covey called these steps 7 levels of initiative or self-empowerment. In Montessori terms […]
Freedom of Movement Strengthens Learning
There is an enduring quote about learning: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”. Attributed to Benjamin Franklin and to Chinese Confucian philosopher Xun Kuang, the idea that active engagement is key to powerful learning has survived for over 2000 years. When I was in junior […]
First Comes Safety
As we look at education as a help to life, safety comes first in my mind. If we don’t feel safe, we can’t learn. When we are in the edginess of fear, it’s hard to enjoy our lives. How do we create places where safety comes first? Let’s begin by defining safety: Safety is the […]