Blogs

Next, we perceive that knowledge and the mind of man are to each other as are air and the lungs. The mind lives by knowledge; stagnates, faints, perishes, deprived of this necessary atmosphere.

A Philosophy of Education, 324.

Ideas may invest as an atmosphere…'The idea may exist as… a mere instinct, a vague appetency towards something, . . . like the impulse which fills the young poet's eyes with tears, he knows not why: To excite this 'appetency towards something'––towards things lovely, honest, and or good report, is the earliest and most important ministry of the educator.[1]

Ideas to Ponder was written by an Ambleside Teacher

At Ambleside we often discuss our “paradigm shift’: from textbooks, grades, and stickers to “living books,” “narrations,” and “habits.” It’s difficult, for many of us. We’re not just learning about a method of education; we’re learning again how to learn. Often I hear a parent say, “I’m glad my kids are getting this kind of education.” You ought to be glad. I would know. I was one of them.

The Order of Bringing Up Children

We often distinguish the order of things by considering the importance of their ends.

I’m reminded of a story that a colleague shared. One of her first-grade students had already identified the end of education. He announced, all in one breath: “We-go-to-school-to-get-good-education-to-go-to-a-good-university-to-get-a-good-job-to-make-good-money!” 

The Order of Things

At the beginning of each New Year, I reflect on the order of things — relationships, time, and professional pursuits. What is in order and what is disorderly? What does it mean to re-order and put things in the right order?

One of the things I love about the mathematics curriculum at Ambleside is that for each new concept taught, the student is led to discover how and why it is true before they put it into practice. The textbook and workbook refer to this as "Telling the Truth".

This is my first blog entry for Ambleside, although I have been educating our sons using ASI support for three years. I must admit at the outset that I am a bit reticent to write a blog.  This is because I lack familiarity with the medium (I don't read blogs in general) and because I am more of a private person than most Internet users (point in case: I don't have a Facebook page and don't know how to access any). So the question is begged: why am I writing a blog now?

Failure is defined very simply: a lack of success.  But imperfect as we all are, we will fail and we will fail often.  But, all will agree that “You always pass failure on the way to success.” ~Mickey Rooney

We don't give tests in our homeschool. We give assessments. However, I accidentally used the "T" word the other day with Michael.