“I cannot get my son to write…anything.”What started as a simple conversation about the educational needs of a couple children and the heart desires of their moms, turned into a magical experience that blessed six families for 10 weeks.
A beginning…
I cannot get my son to write…anything. I wish I could find someone to collaborate with in this homeschool journey. I’m not good at teaching language arts and writing.
I feel like my daughter is similar. Sure, I can try that. Let’s do it together.
A few phone calls, a spreadsheet and a handful of personal invitations later, we began to meet weekly at Alissa’s home. We would always begin our time with a themed collective activity that would engage reflective thought and build one another up. Deann taught science in the garden, nutrition and basic food prep skills to the 6-9 year olds. Alissa worked with the older “reluctant writers” in language appreciation and finding their story. The other moms hung out, helped out, and let their littles play. And there was always food. Lots and lots of food. From day one, every child walked through the door with smiles on their face. Gratitude flowed from the moms for being invited in and having a welcoming place where all their kids were learning and playing.
We all laughed and learned how to make plant medicine, build garden boxes, chase chickens, and work together. Our kids formed new friendships and engaged in learning in their own way, on their own path.
We did not want to let our precious time go, but felt an evolution on the horizon. We also kept asking the question, “Why don’t more families do this?” Deann cast the Schoolhouse vision larger: Why not create a space to connect area homeschooling families to education options that are collaborative, share expertise and resources, while also folding in educational entrepreneurs to fill any specific experiences or specialties? Why can’t this also be about building community and partnerships?
Our personal Schoolhouse has grown to be an outdoor land and garden we call The Creator’s Classroom that has room for a few more, but what will your schoolhouse look like and who will you invite?
