Slow Schooling Chapter Twelve: Experiences
Life outside of (and in addition to) a book and pen
Civil War Reenactments as a Family Affair
Jun. 26, 2006
2:20 PM
We...met a family who worked together to run their own lunch business: Mom and Dad cooked, the 5 year old took and gave orders, and the 3 year old took care of the register as Mom looked on....
It goes without saying that a child’s life is more than “preparing for life”. The child IS living here and now! Certainly there are times in which to focus on learning new skills for future goals (such as learning letter sounds to encourage reading), but there also ought to be plenty of times simply to play or to create projects or even to “waste time”. After all, those experiences unquestionably add to growth of brain, character, and stature as well.
The most basic experience that a child needs is growing up in a stable, safe, and loving family. Unfortunately, that foundation when faulty is frequently a cause of stress in even the smallest child, and hinders his or her development. The best “experience” yo…