Otter Learning’s Post

At FloMont World School (School of Experiential Learning), we believe that every child is a natural-born learner, brimming with curiosity and an innate drive to explore the world around them. That's why we've embraced the Montessori method all the way to Grade 6, fostering an environment where self-directed learning takes center stage. In our classrooms, you won't find traditional rows of desks and rote memorization. Instead, you'll witness an atmosphere buzzing with activity and discovery. Here's how we incorporate this ethos into our daily learning methods: 1️⃣ Student-Centered Approach: Our curriculum is designed to empower students to take ownership of their learning journey. From choosing their own projects to setting personal goals, every child plays an active role in shaping their education. 2️⃣ Hands-On Experiences: We believe in learning by doing. Our classrooms are filled with interactive materials and real-world activities that allow students to engage all their senses and develop a deep understanding of concepts. 3️⃣ Freedom within Structure: While we provide a framework for learning, we also value the importance of freedom and independence. Students have the freedom to explore topics that pique their interest, fostering a genuine love for learning that lasts a lifetime. 4️⃣ Encouraging Curiosity: Curiosity is the fuel that drives learning. Through open-ended questions, exploration corners, and inquiry-based projects, we inspire our students to ask questions, seek answers, and never stop wondering about the world around them. Join us at FloMont, and witness firsthand how we nurture lifelong learners who embrace curiosity and thrive in a world of endless possibilities. Together, let's empower the next generation to explore, discover, and innovate! 🚀 #MontessoriEducation #LifelongLearning #Curiosity #ExperientialLearning #EducationRevolution

To me microschooling is ALL the joys of homeschooling: the individualization, customization, flexibility, adaptability, and student-centeredness!! It is also ALL the joys of a collaborative community: learning, loving, growing, trusting, caring, helping, leading, showing, solving, and experimenting TOGETHER! Judging from the rapid growth of the microschool movement, I am not the only one who feels the same way. What aspect of microschooling appeals most deeply to you? #microschooling, #learning, #buildingcommunity,

Back to School: A New Chapter for Our Kids and Ourselves 🎒📚 Today is a special day as my kids head back to school, ready to embrace new challenges, friendships, and learning opportunities. As a parent, watching them grow and take on these new experiences is both exciting and a little emotional. It's a reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to support their journey every step of the way. But this day isn't just about the kids. It's a fresh start for all of us—whether we're parents, educators, or professionals. Just as our children are stepping into their classrooms with curiosity and determination, we too can approach our work and lives with the same spirit of continuous learning and growth. To all the parents, I know the mix of emotions you're feeling today. To the teachers, thank you for your dedication and hard work in shaping the future. And to the students, including my own, I wish you a school year filled with discovery, resilience, and success. Let’s all embrace this season of change and learning. Whether in the classroom or the workplace, let’s commit to growing, adapting, and making the most of every opportunity that comes our way. Here’s to a bright and productive school year ahead for everyone! 🌟✏️ #BackToSchool #EducationMatters #ProudParent #LifelongLearning #GrowthMindset

🥁🌱 So excited about our new partnership with Growing Stick Learning Center! 🌟 Did you know that early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child's future? 🧒📚 It's incredible how much they absorb during these formative years, which is why we are thrilled to introduce an innovative addition to our curriculum - drumming programs! 🎶🥁 Integrating drumming into early childhood education brings a multitude of benefits. 🌈 Let's take a closer look at why this partnership with Growing Stick Learning Center is a game-changer: 1️⃣ Cognitive Development: Drumming helps children enhance their cognitive skills, including memory, attention span, and problem-solving abilities. 🧠💡 It stimulates both sides of the brain, promoting holistic brain development. 2️⃣ Motor Skills: Through drumming, little ones develop their fine and gross motor skills. 🤲💪 They learn to coordinate their hands and fingers, improving dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Plus, drumming involves physical movement, which contributes to overall motor skill development. 3️⃣ Social Skills: Drumming programs encourage teamwork, cooperation, and communication among children. 🤝🗣️ By playing together, they learn to listen, take turns, and respect each other's contributions. These skills are essential for building strong relationships and succeeding in a social environment. 4️⃣ Emotional Expression: Drumming provides an outlet for children to express their emotions creatively. 🎭🥁 It allows them to channel their energy positively, reducing stress and anxiety. Through rhythm and beats, they can explore different emotions and learn self-regulation. 5️⃣ Cultural Appreciation: Drumming introduces children to diverse cultures and traditions from around the world. 🌍🎵 They learn about different rhythms, music styles, and instruments, fostering an appreciation for diversity and promoting inclusivity. We are beyond thrilled to embark on this exciting journey with Growing Stick Learning Center, where we believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals through innovative educational approaches. 🌱📚 Stay tuned for updates on our drumming programs and the incredible impact they will have on our little ones' growth and development! 🥁✨ #GrowingStickLearningCenter #EarlyChildhoodEducation #DrummingPrograms #HolisticDevelopment #InnovationInEducation

🍫🏫 Homeschooling families, are you ready for an adventure that combines learning with the delight of chocolate? Exciting news from The Hershey Story! Imagine diving into history, not through pages of a textbook, but by experiencing the legacy of an entire town built on chocolate. This is what awaits in the upcoming homeschool program, "A Community Built on Chocolate." Hershey, Pennsylvania, or 'The Sweetest Place on Earth,’ opens its doors on multiple dates in March 2024, for an educational journey tailored to the curious minds of young learners. It's not just a sequence of facts about Milton S. Hershey; it’s a series of engaging, hands-on sessions where children can explore the very roots of a thriving community, understand the transformative power of industry, and the profound impact of visionary thinking. This program is more than just a unique educational opportunity. It's a place of connection, where families embracing the homeschooling path can come together to share, bond, and support each other. As you build a paper town, you're also building a network with other homeschooling families, engaging in a shared love for education that reaches beyond conventional learning environments. In the narrative of Milton S. Hershey’s life and legacy, your child won't just learn about history – they will feel it, recreate it, and absorb lifelong lessons of resilience, innovation, and community building. This is a chance to blend the sweetness of chocolate with the richness of educational experience in a way that truly captivates and inspires. Don't miss this opportunity to turn the page in your homeschooling journey and add an extraordinary chapter filled with the untold lessons of chocolate history. "A Community Built on Chocolate" is not just another field trip; it's a symphony of taste, history, and communal learning, all wrapped in the legacy of Hershey. Get ready to mark your calendars and embark on this deliciously unique educational odyssey. 📅✨ #Homeschooling #EducationalAdventure #TheHersheyStory #CommunityLearning #HistoryComesAlive #ChocolateLoversUnite #InnovativeEducation #HersheyPA https://ayr.app/l/kYRJ

We are firm believers in hands-on learning experiences. That's why our students are encouraged to get up and engage in their education, putting thoughts into practice! 🚀📚 #InteractiveLearning #HandsOnEducation #ExperientialLearning #ActiveEngagement

🌟 Back to School Season: A Time for Reflection and Preparation 🌟 As the summer days start to come to an end, I am reflecting on my own experiences with the back-to-school hustle. It’s a time filled with mixed emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of anxiety. I’ve learned that preparation is key to setting the tone for success. In my professional journey, I’ve often drawn parallels between preparing for a new school year and tackling new projects or initiatives at work. Just like organising a backpack or setting up the kids schedule, establishing clear goals and priorities can make all the difference. This year, I’m focusing on embracing the lessons I’ve learned over the years: ✔️ Continuous Learning: The school year is a reminder that learning never stops. I’m committed to seeking new knowledge and skills, both personally and professionally. ✔️ Community: Building connections is essential. Whether it’s collaborating with colleagues or networking with peers, I’ve found that support systems are invaluable. As we dive into this back-to-school season, I encourage everyone to reflect on their own journeys and embrace the opportunities for growth that lie ahead. Let’s make this year the best one yet! Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities! 🍎✨ #BackToSchool #ProfessionalGrowth #ContinuousLearning #Community #NewBeginnings

Breaking Free from the 9-3: How Embracing Natural Learning Rhythms Changed Our Homeschooling Experience When we began our homeschooling journey, I fell into a common trap, attempting to replicate a traditional school schedule within our home. The result? Stress, frustration, and a constant battle against time—for my children and me. It felt like we were failing every day, struggling to progress in an environment that was supposed to nurture growth and learning. The turning point came when I sought advice from a seasoned homeschooling relative. Her guidance was a beacon in our chaos: Forget the brick-and-mortar schedule. It wasn't just about learning; it was about unlearning — stepping away from a system designed around external work-life structures, not around our children's natural learning rhythms. What followed was a week of observation and adaptation. We gave space for 'natural learning' —setting core, non-negotiable tasks but allowing the kids to approach them independently. The insights were illuminating. Each child had their peak learning times, some in the quiet of the morning, others in the stillness of the night. This shift towards honoring their natural rhythms not only eased the tension of homeschooling alongside professional commitments but also empowered my children. They learned to trust in their capabilities, to navigate challenges independently, and to recognize the value in following their internal clocks. 👉🏽 To fellow parents navigating the dual paths of homeschooling and a professional career: Let go of the rigid schedules. ✨ Observe, adapt, and embrace the unique learning rhythms of your household. For you and your kids, it is a voyage of discovery that will show you how they learn best and how to collaborate with them to help them develop independence, self-assurance, and a lifelong love of learning outside of the traditional classroom. #Homeschooling #WorkLifeBalance #ParentingInProfession #NaturalLearning #EducationReform

Reflecting on Our Schooling System: A Call for Innovation and Autonomy I often get asked if I am against the traditional schooling system. Please be clear: I value schools and cherish the memories created there. However, my concern lies not with the system but the need for more academic innovation and constructive delivery. Despite children spending 60-70% of their waking hours in school activities, many do not love learning; they dread it. Schools often confine children to passive information consumption, requiring them to sit silently without meaningful interaction or engagement with peers. Even those children who love learning find their exposure limited to preparing for competitive exams or college entrance tests rather than exploring a broader educational experience. Furthermore, some businesses have responded by creating play-based learning products and superficial DIY kits, believing these to be solutions. While these might seem engaging, they often do not foster deep, meaningful learning. Parents eager to support their children flock to these products without realizing that authentic engagement comes from active participation and critical thinking, not just hands-on activities. Education should be about satisfying one's curiosity and crafting a personal learning journey, not just completing tasks to impress others or preparing for tests. Yet, when children try to take charge of their learning, the system can sometimes stifle their efforts. Moreover, the focus on competitive exams and securing college admissions overshadows the crucial socio-emotional learning that can take place. How we navigate personal challenges and interpersonal relationships is essential learning that must often be addressed. I aspire for a shift towards a schooling experience where children thrive, not just survive. We need a system where the joy of learning is paramount and where children understand why they go to school and how to make the best out of their time there. If you share this vision and want to empower your children to take charge of their learning, join me at EdReBoot, a 4-hour boot camp for parents. This Sunday, July 14th, from 4 pm to 8 pm, we will explore how to transform the educational experience to benefit our children's growth and happiness. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in this transformative experience. Together, let's reshape the future of education. Click here to register https://lnkd.in/gm6FX-Xd for EdReBoot and join a community committed to meaningful educational reforms. #EducationReform #LearningInnovation #Parenting #Schooling #EmpoweredLearning

Ready for an enriching journey? Sign up for our upcoming Empowered Learning Series: "Strategies to Support and Retain Staff of Color." And guess what? Don’t just take my word for it—listen to the experiences of participants who participated in previous learning experiences. They'll offer you a sneak peek into the invaluable insights, strategies, and connections they gained—real, unfiltered perspectives from those who've been part of our community. Why Should You Join? Impactful Strategies: Learn research-backed strategies designed to create supportive environments for staff of color. Empower yourself with actionable tools to make a genuine difference. Community Connection: Engage with a diverse community of educators, leaders, and advocates passionate about fostering inclusivity and support within educational spaces. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative learning experience! Join us on Feb. 8 and Mar. 5 from 1-3:30 pm and become part of a movement dedicated to supporting and empowering staff of color in education. Register Now: https://lnkd.in/g_jyFYUy Spots are limited! Let’s learn, grow, and leave empowered together! 🌟 #EmpoweredLearningSeries