Overview By Age
Light Way Schools: "Where Children Are The Curriculum"
At Light Way Schools when we say "children are the curriculum", we mean that instead of a predetermined list of topics children's interests and passions should direct their studies.
When we tie education to vast qunatiities of learning objectives that must be covered no matter what the interests of the children involved, then the education system no longer serves children, it only serves itself. We base our units of study on the interests of the children and then use the state TEKS as a resource only.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional Intelligence
Why Did We Put This First?
Quite simply put, we put emotional intelligence first because it forms the foundation for all other intelligences to thrive. Research has shown unequivocally that a person's EQ (emotional intelligence quotient) is a more accurate predictor of future success than IQ or academic achievement.
Accelerated Early Learning
Two-Year Old's And Under Can Read And Do Mathematics With NO Stress
Our program of early reading and mathematics was first developed by the Institutes for Human Potential for use with parents and children. It has been successfully used and adapted in the classroom to help children as early as 6 months begin to learn the skills of reading and mathematics in a fun, easy, way.
Thematic Studies
Beginning in first grade and sometimes earlier, learners at Light Way will engage in interdisciplinary thematic studies.
In interdisciplinary teaching, educators apply methods and language from more than one academic discipline to examine a theme, issue, question, problem, topic, or experience. Interdisciplinary methods work to create connections between traditionally discrete disciplines such as mathematics, the sciences, social studies or history, and English language arts.
Passion Projects
Children at Light Way may begin passion projects at the middle school level. Passion projects are also called custom learning plans. After meeting with a child, a plan like the one below developed at HeartLight schools is outlined and then further developed with the child.
Dear Jasmine,
We had a fun time showing you around HeartLight School and getting to know you a bit. We've been thinking about the interests you have and possible projects that you could do. Please know that you get
Mindfulness
Mindfulness: "the new ABCs": Attention, Balance, Clarity and Compassion.
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness practices are highly effective for stress reduction. In today's climate of children being diagnosed with ADD/ADHD for not being able to pay attention, the skills acquired through mindfulness practice can be critical for a child's success. For more information on how ADD/ADHD is diagnosed and why boys are more likely to be diagnosed and to struggle in school click here.
Service-Learning
A Dream of a Better World" Service-Learning Projects
Service learning is the combination of community service and academic learning objectives. At Light Way service-learning projects are a required part of our curriculum beginning in first grade. Through service-learning projects the need to acquire life and academic skills becomes essential in order to succeed.
Kid Power
Kid Power
KIdPower is a democratic council made up of children and adults. Together they make decisions about the school and resolve conflict through discussion and voting.
At Light Way we believe that in order to create a nation of empowered, free-thinking people, we must begin with children. The rights and responsibilities of freedom are to be learned and earned as part of childhood. For how can we say we are a democratic society, if our children never experience democracy except as some vague concept studied in a social studies course? Democracy requires the participation of the people in order to fully function as intended.
The link below is to a video about a democratic free school in Colorado. It is a public school. School Of Hope
Read more
"BE" Time
"BE" Time
Time to just BE is probably at an all time low in our society - even for the very young. "BE" time is accorded to all children at Light Way.
We do offer classes and activities during "BE" time that children may attend if they choose. Please see our Afternoons At Light Way page for details on those classes and how your children can attend. We also ask the children what they would like to learn about and then offer a class. The truly empowering aspect of "BE" time for children is...
HeartMath
HeartMath
Ten Key Tools of the HeartMath Solution
HeartMath teaches mastery of the emotions so that we can make conscious choices.
- Acknowledge your heart intelligence and its importance for making choices. The head operates in a linear, logical manner that serves us well in many situations but limits us in others.
Emotional Freedom Technique For Kids EFT
EFT is a powerful new discovery that combines two well established sciences so you can benefit from both at the same time:
- Mind Body Medicine
- Acupuncture (without needles).
In essence, EFT is an emotional version of acupuncture wherein we stimulate certain meridian points by tapping on them with our fingertips. This addresses a new cause for emotional issues (unbalanced energy meridians). Properly done, this frequently reduces the therapeutic process from months or years down to hours or minutes. And, since emotional stress can contribute to pain, disease and physical ailments, we often find that EFT provides astonishing physical relief.
Try it yourself by downloading the EFT Manual for free. It gives you all the basics and allows you to test drive EFT on your own issues (although at a beginner's level).
Click for more information on using EFT with children.
Click for chart to use to help children. (Word format)
Sensory Development
Intuitive Intelligence/Sensory Development
Today's highly intuitive children need a place where they can express their intuitive experiences.
Sixth sensory development is a set of tools that enable all human beings to acces their higher intuitive intelligence. This is the intelligence that gives us a "gut feeling" that tells us when and how to make a good business move. It is also the intelligence that tells us who is calling before we answer the phone...
Play
""BE"" Time vs "Play" Time
"BE" time is free time for children 9 and older. "Play" time is for younger children. Both are similar in that children may elect to spend all their BE time playing.
Play is an extremely important learning activity for children. According to a report on NPR (National Public Radio), children who have no unstructured play can not develop executive function which is among others:
- The ability to self-regulate
- To surmount obstacles
- To master cognitive skills.
Heart Motions of Impulse
The Creation Codes for the New Children
The creation codes were developed by Dr. Jean Schweizer Ph.D. Her life work has focused on helping children to reconnect and flourish. In the video you will see some of the codes. Motion gives birth to the wisdom which lies in the heart of the Children!
Multi-Age Classroom:
Benefits of Multi-Age Classrooms
The Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) lists the following benefits of multiage classrooms:
• Children are able to spend several years with the same teacher. This allows the teacher to develop a deeper understanding of a child's strengths and needs, and is therefore in a better position to support the child's learning.
Compassionate Communication
"When someone gives us a negative message, whether verbally or nonverbally," says Marshall Rosenberg, "we have four options as to how to receive it."
Someone is frustrated and says, "You are so selfish!" We can...
Yoga
Yoga For Kids
Yoga is a form of exercise, meditation, and breathing practices with Indian roots designed to bring unity to the mind, body, and spirit. Adults have vouched for yoga for years, saying it makes them feel better physically, enhances their ability to concentrate, and brings tranquility to their lives.
Children Building Sustainability
Though gardening activities at all ages, children and adults learn how to grow food sustainably. Organic growing can be as challenging as it is rewarding. There is much to learn about soil, seasons, watering, harvesting and consuming. Food grown in the garden will be eaten and shared.
 
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