IMAGINE
Imagine learning that has not been
institutionalized—imagination running free, curiosity encouraged, smiling,
chatting, motion and doodling allowed. Imagine facilitators encouraging
exploration, questioning, the process of trial and error, figuring things out
for yourself combined with learning from the mistakes and wisdom of our
elders.
Imagine an environment that allows you to take your time
with things, to mull things over, to move away from something when you are stuck
and come back to it after a healthy break. One in which there is room for mental
sorting, space to learn at your own pace, allowing each to learn in the way best
suited to their own personal learning style.
Imagine heart centered learning; training our children
in paying attention to their intuitiveness and cultivating their own wisdom.
Imagine how highly respectful of children such an environment could be;
respectful of children’s keen need to move their bodies, to
dance, to sing, to be quiet, to spend time outdoors by themselves or in small
groups.
Imagine an education system that grants children
exposure to the many wonderful things of this world and lets them choose to
pursue learning in areas where their own interest lies. Imagine a learning
environment that allows kids to honour the curiosities and enthusiasm innate to
childhood: their deep sense of wonder, their insatiable need
to know, their desire to run and scream when the first snowflake falls or the
first butterfly of spring flutters by.
Imagine a learning environment that teaches life skills,
and values kindness, sharing and gentleness over competition. One which
naturally encourages a holistic approach to well being and reverence for
life!
Imagine a culture that recognizes that we are all
learners and teachers both at any given point in our lives. Imagine a world in
which pursuing your innate desire to learn about those things in which you are
keenly interested and which are meaningful to you is prized! Imagine a system
where no one is graded but instead all recognize that the greatest reward is
learning itself! Imagine the possibilities! Imagine
if…
Jill
MacCormack
First published on Vision PEI facebook page April 13, 2015
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