Educating the whole child: It sounds good, but what does it mean? Let's find out what educating the whole child looks like to the educators below.
Holistic Homeschooling Methods
Charlotte Mason, a British school teacher in the 1900s, aimed to educate the whole child through a focus on the child's home environment, cultivation of good habits and behavior, and exposure to personal narratives for academic study. She incorporated crafts and nature study into children's days as well.
Based on Gandhi's approach to education, Summer Albayati made suggestions for developing a holistic homeschool curriculum with a focus on developing the child's body, mind, and soul. Gandhi taught school at a farm where children had opportunities for physical development, conversations with a knowledgeable teacher, and a role model for desirable moral behavior.
Former New York Teacher of the Year, John Taylor Gatto recommends a classical education like the one he grew up with--one that teaches "independent thought, appreciation for great works, and an experience of the world not found within the confines of a classroom."
Common Threads in Educating the Whole Child
Holistic homeschooling attends in various ways to the needs of a child's body, mind, and soul. We could perhaps alternatively divide these focuses into physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, or perhaps logical and creative. By focusing on the whole child through the lenses of, for example, body, mind, and soul, you can quickly assess for areas where your child might be in need.
Body (physical). Gandhi taught on a farm where children had plenty of opportunity to physically develop their bodies. Mason left afternoons open for physical activity and outdoor play and exploration. Gatto prioritizes opportunities outside the classroom (or home school).
How do your homeschoolers develop their bodies and physical skills? Do they spend time outdoors on a daily basis? Do they participate in a physical activity? Physical development options for today's children include outdoor play, dance or gym classes, sports, or any activity that involves significant movement.
Mind (emotional and mental). Mason provided children with "living books" written by real people who felt passionately about their subjects. Gandhi gave lessons verbally to share his excitement for subjects. Gatto supports playful, interest-driven learning.
How do your homeschoolers express their emotional and mental needs? Do your children have the freedom to follow their interests? You can support your child's emotional and mental development by recognizing emotions as they occur and by helping your child attach positive or constructive mental thoughts to their emotional reactions. Children are especially susceptible to regarding themselves through the eyes of others.
Soul (spiritual). Gandhi taught children of various faiths. He addressed their spiritual needs by serving as a moral role model. Mason encouraged children to speak in their own words about subjects, thus developing their self awareness and awareness of others. Likewise, Gatto encourages independent thinking.
Grant your children the freedom to follow their interests and become who they want to be. Engage in conversations. Pay attention to yours and your children's emotional reactions and mental processes. Provide a constructive role model.
Each of the holistic methods mentioned above makes a point of focusing on each child as a whole person. This means that an educator who employs a holistic method or aspects thereof takes into consideration each child's various needs--body, mind, and soul.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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