The above photo show a page from my Adventures In Natural Learning: Seasonal Journal.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Journal - I have laid out lists of suggestions for topics that could be studied in each season.
These lists,
The above photo show a page from my Adventures In Natural Learning: Seasonal Journal.
For those of you who are not familiar with the Journal - I have laid out lists of suggestions for topics that could be studied in each season.
These lists, revisited each year, in their season, is the jumping-off point a family can use to give a child a WIDE knowledge base, and run down many glorious rabbit-trails in their learning - perhaps skipping over/completely missing out the things they are not particularly interested in but stopping for LONG TIME if they come across a topic that really sparks their interest.
All the major "curriculum" areas are covered using these lists over the years.
This post today relates to something on the list above: "How to/when to correct an older person respectfully"
Ah! A topic close to my heart as some of my children really struggle with this concept! I'm not sure if many, many children in today's society also struggle, or whether they are just not being taught, but I hear SO MUCH disrespect to adults that it makes me sad.
I believe the best way to teach respect is to model it, and it is horribly true that many children DO NOT have respect modelled to them by the adults in their lives.
But another way to teach respect is role-play. Some children LOVE this so much it is a game they often request.
Another way to teach respect is to (bravely, if you're not used to doing it) put yourself in a position where your child will know more than you.*
For instance on a game they're playing, or learning a new language with them (and they will most likely pick it up faster than you).
We've had a go at learning some German. The children remember it better than I do, and if they are sharp with their correct of my bungled pronounciation I can specifically say to them "When you tell me off harshly it puts me off trying again. Be gentle with me!"
Woah! Two-fold benefits here. They learn to correct people gently, and I'm reminded that they need gentle correction in their lives too!
It is also important to let "serial correctors" know that sometimes an adult does not need to be corrected, and some adults will be angry to be corrected (by a child or even another adult) even if it's rather important to let them know they said something wrong.
So much to learn to function well in society! Some children learn it all easily by absorbing and computing, whilst others need a little help in learning.
And it is wonderful if, as a connected, aware parent, you can see if your child needs help with these things.
* It is a really good idea to practise doing things where your child knows more than you because a child who is raised in a natural home education environment will surely overtake your knowledge on various topics very soon! Rather than condescendingly taking an interest and giving "fake praise" try and be really and honestly interested and connected with your children. Most children can spot a fake and hypocrite from miles away xxxxx