Learning
"I think it will become apparent that learning cannot be turned off, that given a rich environment, learning becomes like the air--it's in and around us."
- Sandra Dodd
Learning has its own time, direction, and rhythm. When we try to control it, we at the same time need to control our children; when we let it work its magic, our children become infused with the magic of learning. The native approach (which is ours as well) allows each child to learn what he would like, and at his own pace.
One of the beauties of living as a clan is the variety of settings and people from which to learn. We are meeting our children's needs so much easier and more completely than when we lived as isolated nuclear families.
"The traditional way of education is based on example, personal experience, and storytelling. The Native teacher speaks little of the subject at hand; rather, he will set up scenarios and present questions so the student will seek his own answer in his own time and in his own way."
"Instead of the stereotypical roles as parents or babysitters, we act as Guides for them. We work to not get in the way of their natural enthusiasm and inquisitiveness, because self-motivation is of utmost importance if they are to carry on after their time with us. We know their unique approach will serve them better than if they adopted ours. They best know the ways they think, feel, and understand. As a circle of people, we can give personal attention to each child, and strive to bring out the talent, the skill and the knowledge already within each one, rather than to teach what we already know."
- Tamarack Song, Blossoming the Child