How to Crush Learning

So, why this post on how to crush learning? Good question!

To answer, let’s play with our food for a minute:

Imagine that you are hungry.
You are told, “Sit down, be quiet.”
You are given a plate with a portion of something labeled “food.”

It has no taste and no recognizable texture.

You are not allowed to add spices or ketchup.

Though it is unappealing and unappetizing, you can’t get up until you eat it.

Imagine that that is your experience every single time you feel hungry.

It wouldn’t take long before you’d lost interest in eating.

Now, let’s play with learning for a minute:

Imagine that you are curious.
You are told, “Sit down, be quiet.”
You are given a worksheet or textbook labeled “math” or “science” or “history.”

It has nothing interesting to you and no recognizable connection to your life.

You are not allowed to listen to music or stand up and stretch.

Though it is unappealing and utterly boring, you can’t get up until you finish the page or chapter.

It wouldn’t take long before you’d lost interest in learning.

Sound familiar? This is the model of education most of us experienced in school.

And, when you teach your kids at home, this model is constantly whirring in the background, reminding you of what education is “supposed” to be.

The problem is that this familiar approach crushes an appetite for learning … just like it would crush an appetite for food.

The solution? Let’s try playing with our food again:

Imagine that you are hungry.
You are welcomed to the kitchen table with a warm smile and great smells.

Platters of delicious food are set on the table, and you are invited to take some food from each.

Each platter has its own special flavors, and each provides different textures, from soft to crunchy.

There are small bowls of condiments to individualize the flavors according to your own taste.

All around the table are others, happily eating the incredible food, and sharing with each other what they are enjoying most on their plate. “You gotta try this, it’s amazing!!”

Can learning be like that? Absolutely!!

From Crushed by Learning to Interested in Learning!

It takes time and simple changes—along with courage!— to adjust the way we approach homeschooling. But when you consider the long-term benefit to your children, it’s worth every minute and every bit of effort!

Remember, stay relational!