The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega
We’ve all been there — questioning the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional education. You’re probably aware that the natural instinct to learn can sometimes be stifled by conventional methods. So, how do we foster our kids’ love for learning in a way that’s tailored to their unique strengths and interests?
The Quest for Knowledge Begins at Home
At the heart of education should be a burning curiosity, a desire to explore and understand the world. As homeschooling parents, we have the beautiful opportunity to let our children lead the way. By creating an environment that values self-discovery over rote memorization, we empower our children to tap into their natural learning abilities.
Learning isn’t just a process; it’s a journey that doesn’t have to be confined within the walls of a classroom. Encourage your kids to seek out information, ask questions, and dig deeper into subjects that light up their eyes with excitement. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also teaches the essential skill of how to learn — a gift that will serve them throughout their lives.
Strengths Over Weaknesses: A New Focus
Traditionally, education has been about finding and fixing weaknesses. Instead, imagine focusing on what our kids are good at and what naturally interests them. This positive approach not only boosts confidence but also empowers children to develop their talents into something truly special.
Does your child have a penchant for drawing? Encourage their artistic pursuits. Maybe they have a knack for mechanics? Provide tools to tinker with. It doesn’t stop at academic subjects; the real world is rich with potential learning experiences that matter just as much, if not more.
Practical Learning: The Real World Connection
Educational theorist John Dewey once said, “If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” With that in mind, practical application and project-based learning are key. When kids engage in projects they’re passionate about, education becomes meaningful and memorable.
Have you noticed how your child’s eyes shine when they’re building a model airplane or baking a cake? These aren’t just hobbies; they’re hands-on lessons in physics, chemistry, patience, and perseverance. This emphasis on doing, rather than just hearing or reading, helps children connect what they’re learning with the real world.
Screen Time and Outdoor Time: Striking a Balance
In this digital age, it’s important to find a balance between screen time and the great outdoors. Video games and online communities can certainly be educational, but there’s also an irreplaceable value in tactile, in-person experiences. Encouraging your children to be active participants in both realms can foster a well-rounded education.
By being part of your child’s online and offline activities, you not only ensure their safety but also bond over shared experiences. Celebrate digital creativity, but also make time for nature walks, sports, and hands-on projects. This balance can nurture a broad spectrum of skills — from digital literacy to physical wellness.
Empowerment Through Autonomy
A core component of homeschooling is instilling a sense of autonomy in your children’s learning journey. Granting them the trust to take control of their education doesn’t mean leaving them to their own devices; rather, it means being there as a guide and a supporter rather than a director.
This autonomy in learning, the freedom to pursue their interests and learn from their choices, can help prepare them for the real world where decision-making and self-reliance are invaluable.
The Heart of Homeschooling
Homeschooling isn’t just about education; it’s about understanding our children, recognizing their natural inclinations, and nurturing a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. Allow curiosity to be your compass, and you may find that the learning experience is just as rewarding for you as it is for them.
As we journey alongside our children, let’s remember that each child’s path is unique. And in this boundless educational landscape, each step taken is another opportunity to inspire, to empower, and to kindle the flame of lifelong learning.
RLL #228: The Learning Game | A Conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega
In the latest episode, Colleen is thrilled to introduce you to Ana Lorena Fabrega, a passionate change-maker in the field of education. This is a goldmine for parents and educators who are advocates for nurturing natural curiosity and fostering a love for learning in children.
Ana, with her international background and expertise in education, explores how traditional education may unwittingly dampen the inherent desire for discovery in kids. She shares her own journey and the revelations that led her to write “The Learning Game,” a book that challenges conventional schooling norms and serves as a beacon for guiding children to be autonomous and enthusiastic learners.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace the Learning Game: Ana’s perspective resonates with our mission to empower children to take the reins of their education. The episode provides tangible advice on how to create an environment that honors and promotes your child’s passions, ensuring they are set up for a lifetime of successful and meaningful learning.
- Explore with Curiosity: Colleen and Ana discuss nurturing curiosity, the importance of engaging with your child’s interests, and how these steps can strengthen bonds while setting up kids for future success.
- Become a Part of the Learning Adventure: Learn about how parents can supplement school learning by teaching crucial life skills at home. Discover the impact that nurturing decision-making abilities, handling failure, and critical thinking can have on children’s growth.
We’re excited for you to listen to this engaging and enlightening conversation with Ana Lorena Fabrega. Tune in and let us know how the insights shared in this episode inspire you to support the lifelong learners in your life.
Links and Resources from Today’s Show
- SPONSOR | CTC Math
- SPONSOR | Night Zookeeper
- Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community – The Learners Lab
- Learn more about Ana and The Learning Game at https://afabrega.com/
- Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
- The Power Of Inquiry Based Learning For Gifted Children
- Interest Led Homeschooling: Helping Your Child Find Their Interests
- Create a Multimodal Learning Environment
- Nurturing a Strength-Based Approach to Learning in Homeschooling
- Project Based Learning And Your Gifted Child: A Guide For Parents
- RLL #96: Finding Learning Opportunities with Dennis DeNoia
- RLL #68: Self-Directed Education with Peter Gray, PhD
- RLL #64: What to Do When School Doesn’t Work
- Homeschooling Your Gifted Child With Interest-Led Learning
- Homeschooling High School With Interest-Led Learning
- Synthesis Review For Gifted Children: Everything You Need To Know
Connect with Ana
You can find Ana on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube
Learn more about The Learning Game at https://afabrega.com/
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