We got the children out of the factories and put them in... factories? Or worse? I hear stories about the volume of work given children: the long hours, the level of stress and anxiety, the lack of sleep, the impacted schedules, the skyrocketing expectations, the unrelenting requirements to be fulfilled, the immense pressure to "perform" in various ways, to get "accepted" into this or that program or institution...

A parent of sibling students today called me "The Child Whisperer." As a teacher of both students and teachers, and a developer of both curriculum and non-curriculum-based non-traditional schools, I am perpetually seeking to understand what comprises good teaching. There probably is no summary answer. But I am sure of the starting point: The student.

To give children agency in the enactment of their lives, including their childhoods, is to grant them a mind of their own, to allow them their own will, and thereby to acknowledge their self-efficacy and personal control. Children are (can be) active in creating meaning in their lives. Children are (can be) not only recipients of knowledge but also creators of knowledge.

Democratic education is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the principles of democracy and aims to foster the development of engaged, responsible, and active citizens. It is an approach to education that seeks to create learning environments where students have a say in the decision-making processes and have the opportunity to participate in shaping their own education.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an educational approach that focuses on engaging students in active and self-directed learning through real-world problem-solving. Instead of traditional instruction that primarily involves the transmission of knowledge from teachers to students, PBL puts students in the driver's seat, encouraging them to explore and understand concepts by grappling with authentic, complex problems.

In a rapidly evolving world, where knowledge is just a few clicks away, the traditional model of education is being challenged. Self-directed learning has emerged as a powerful approach that empowers individuals to take control of their own education and unlock their full potential. With the advent of technology and a wealth of resources available, embracing self-directed learning can revolutionize the way we acquire knowledge and skills.

As music educators we say, and we mostly believe, that music education is good for people. We itemize the benefits and talk about the many ways it's good for people. Yet, too many people I interview, talk to, and consult with tell me that music education was not good for them. It made them stressed and anxious, nervous and shaky in front of people, fearful of performing on stage, lowered their self-esteem, convinced them they couldn't sing or play, or that they lacked musical talent and ability, and made them hate music learning and music making. Sometimes for a lifetime.

Education is a lifelong journey, and it is not limited to the traditional classroom setting or the formative years of our lives. Adults too have an innate desire to learn and grow, seeking knowledge and skills to adapt to an ever-evolving world. Andragogy, a theory of adult learning, recognizes the unique needs and characteristics of adult learners, offering a framework that empowers them to take control of their learning experiences. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of andragogy and its significance in fostering lifelong learning among adults.

It is important to understand that what is true about andragogy for adults is also true for young adults, youth, and even children!

In a world where standardized tests and academic achievements often take center stage, it's easy to overlook the profound impact that play can have on a child's education. Play is not merely a frivolous pastime; it is a vital component of a child's holistic development. From fostering creativity and problem-solving skills to promoting social and emotional well-being, play offers a plethora of benefits that contribute to a child's growth and success. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of play in youth education and highlight why it deserves a prominent place in every child's educational journey.

In the realm of education, conventional schooling has long been the dominant model, characterized by structured curricula, strict schedules, and an emphasis on teacher-led instruction. However, there exists an alternative educational philosophy that challenges these traditional norms: Sudbury Valley Education. Founded in 1968, Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, Massachusetts, has been at the forefront of this innovative approach. In this blog post, we will explore the principles and philosophy behind Sudbury Valley Education and its commitment to fostering freedom, self-directed learning, and personal growth.

Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia are three educational philosophies that have gained popularity worldwide. While they share some common values and principles, they also have distinct differences. Here's a comparison and contrast of Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia education.

In the realm of education, there is a rising trend that challenges traditional notions of schooling. Unschooling, an alternative approach to education, has been gaining attention for its unconventional methods and emphasis on individual freedom and self-directed learning. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of unschooling, explore its principles, benefits, and potential concerns, and shed light on why it is capturing the interest of an increasing number of parents and educators around the world.

Unschooling offers an alternative path to education, one that prioritizes individual freedom, self-directed learning, and personalized experiences. By granting children the autonomy to explore their interests and passions, unschooling nurtures intrinsic motivation, creativity, and critical thinking. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it presents a valuable perspective that challenges the traditional educational paradigm and encourages us to reconsider the ways in which we approach learning and education.

Progressive means something a bit different in education than it does in politics. Both political/ideological conservatives and liberal/progressives should appreciate the value that progressive schools such as ours offer. Forward-thinking education.

In the realm of modern education, educators are constantly seeking innovative and effective approaches to enhance student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. One such method that has gained significant recognition is project-based learning (PBL). Project-based learning is an instructional approach that empowers students to investigate and explore real-world challenges through a hands-on, collaborative, and interdisciplinary process.