This morning our farm is covered in white. The snow is coming down hard and it is lovely. The fire in the living room is bright and hot and the dog and cat have wisely sidled up together beside the hearth. A fresh pot of coffee is on and its rich aroma is calling, but… [Read More]
Cultivating Independence & Innovation
There’s lately been an abundance of exciting times in our home! I suspect that those of you with your own young, evolving artists, scientists, and determined toddlers will relate. This week we put our family’s last toddler car seat into the garage and pulled out a big boy seat to replace it. The very same… [Read More]
Authentic Experiential Learning Oak Meadow Style
I’ve got the best job. Talking with folks who share our passion for innovative, child-centered learning is great fun. These sorts of conversations are invigorating and instill in me all sorts of hope for the future. I hope they might do the same for you! I recently had the good fortune to talk with Michelle… [Read More]
Unit Studies: Fun for the Whole Family
My oldest son, Elias, waits at the bottom of the stairs. When he sees me he announces, “I absolutely must learn more about the elements today.” Overhearing this, his brother, JoJo, rushes into the room, crosses his arms and says, “I like history better than science so I don’t really want to do that.” “Can… [Read More]
Changing the Educational Landscape of our Communities
I can think of no better pick-me-up than time spent with inspired folks who possess the creative vision and skill set to make amazing things happen. Better still is discovering that very sort of person in one’s own backyard! Sharon Vegh Williams came to our community in Northern New York six years ago from Rochester,… [Read More]
Fearless Learning
“Mom! We’ll never need to buy new clothes again!” My 8-year-old son nearly took the door off its hinges as he burst inside with his news. “We’ll make all of our clothes out of algae woven into fabric. These algae will be a continuously reproducing kind, which of course makes the fabric stronger. Each time… [Read More]
The Magic of Child-Parent Book Clubs
Fall is a fantastic time of year to be an educator; it’s the season to try out new ideas and refine old favorites. What fun it is bringing out all of the new books and craft supplies—oh how my little ones love those bags bursting with googly eyes and colorful feathers! The unveiling of recently… [Read More]
Full STEAM Ahead: Changes for SPC
It’s a bit hard to believe that the end of summer is nearly upon us. It has been a good break for both of us, filled with travel, visits with friends, dips in the river and just enough time left over to make space for reflection on the year that has passed. Among the highlights… [Read More]
Resources for Your Barefoot Scientists
In my post Barefoot Scientists: Why Nature Studies Matter I wrote about the plethora of learning opportunities outside our doors in springtime. As the season continues, I am reminded of the amazing resources that I rely on each year to enhance nature studies with my young sons. I wanted to share a few of my… [Read More]