Learning By The Way

Yesterday on one of the forums I occasionally visit, someone wished a happy Pi day. You know, it was 3/14, and Pi is 3.14 etc., etc. So I threw an impromptu Pi celebration at supper. Everyone had circles on their plates, and we measured the circumference and diameter. A CD, an LP, a jar of molasses, a battery- all were measured. Then we figured pi. Turns out our measuring apparatus (a sewing tape) was not precise enough to accurately figure the real pi, but we did come up with a couple of 3.15’s. After dinner, we had apple pi, umm, I mean pie. Then the children and I watched a Pi video on YouTube. Wild, geeky fun. A belated Happy Pi Day to you all!

I have recently been introduced to the TED talks, and find them wonderfully stimulating. Here is one by Sir Ken Robinson asking the question of whether schools kill creativity. I love his illustration of schools strip mining minds for that one element that is prized, but leaving devastation behind. Our family approaches learning in a joyful way, completely different than most schools, and you might catch a glimpse of what that means as you listen to this talk. As a mama/teacher, I nurture 6 unique people. I do not desire to have them memorize and regurgitate facts, but to grow to flourish rampantly at what God has called them specifically to do.

Sir Ken Robinson: Do Schools Kill Creativity?

These pictures have been delayed by the onset of the flu here. The girls went to Maria’s Tea Room for a birthday celebration with some of their friends. As you can see from the pictures, they had a grand time!

Thank you, Grandma, for such a lovely time.