Category: Teen Empowerment
-
The Danger of Materialistic-Reductionism in Education (and What to Do About It)
It goes without saying that the physical is part of reality. We wouldn’t get very far denying that. However, is the physical all there is? Many people these days would answer “yes” or “probably” to this materialistic reductionism. It is the trend of modern cultural life, particularly in the West, and it has destructive, deadening…
-
Developing Forward-Backward Thinking
In this post, we are going to discuss forward-backward thinking and how our curriculum – especially our Creative Writing and science classes – develops this. Now, you may be asking yourself, “What does he mean by forward-backward thinking?” Let me explain. Typically, we only think forwards because that is what we use to navigate the…
-
What We do in Teen Empowerment
Enkindle Academy offers a weekly Teen Empowerment Class to students in 6th Grade and above. We began offering this class over a year ago out of the pressing need to give young people a safe and supportive place to become themselves. We lack such spaces in the West today. Most, if not all, traditional and…
-
Explaining AI to Students Part 1 – How Does AI Function?
—
by
In this post, we will focus on explaining AI to students by explaining it to you, the parents. This will be part one of a two-part series. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is not as new as many people think. Aircraft autopilots, automobile GPS’s, website algorithms to calculate airfares, Google searches, scientific research processes, and more have…
-
Should You Homeschool for High School?
Should you homeschool for high school? Historically, this has been an unpopular choice since teenagers’ social needs increase. (This shift is well documented in Kim John Payne’s book The Soul of Discipline.) Consequently, there are few curricular resources available at present for homeschool high schoolers. Yet, I hear more and more parents asking about it…
-
Is Homeschooling Right for My Child?
—
by
In this post, I will address the question, “is homeschooling right for my child?” To answer this, let me first state my bias. I have worked in public schools, Waldorf schools, and now in the homeschool arena. All have their place in education and their pros and cons. For me personally, homeschooling wins hands-down because…
-
What is a Human Being?
What is a human being? This question has occupied philosophers, scientists, and religious seekers for millennia. It is the core essence of our seeking as people. Every single student I’ve worked with has wanted me to tell them what I see in them. It’s fascinating. Underneath every human desire is the wish to know, “What…
-
AI and Critical Thinking in Education
Listen to this post: How do we conceive of AI and critical thinking in education? Increasingly, schools are importing the new technology to help reduce teacher burnout and tailor lessons to individual student needs. According to School AI1, 37% of teachers are now using AI to create lessons, reducing their workload. As a Waldorf teacher,…
-
How to Talk to Our Children about AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the world by storm. Many predict it will change human life as much as the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions. Today’s youth are using it like wildfire. Just think of the temptations. They’re not only using it to do their homework, but they are asking it life advice and even in…
-
Growth Mindset in the Ancient World
Growth mindset was known long before renowned researcher Carol Dweck elaborated it around 2006. 2500 years ago, Pythagoras was testing to see whether potential initiates for his mystery school had it. Entry into the prestigious Academy was a high honor for the ancient Greek. If admitted, he or she (yes, they admitted women which was…