Over the past months, Matt and Dr. Scott have shared a number of coaching tips to establish an exemplary learner-centered focus when it comes to your kids. Here’s a recap.
#1 How to learn any time, anywhere
Matt wrote this piece, and it’s good! He asks the reader (parent) whether they want their kids to be known as a Blockbuster fan (think traditional school) or a Netflix follower (think anytime, anywhere learning). Spoiler Alert! Blockbuster went basically bankrupt while Netflix…well, you know.
#2 How to execute on interest-based learning
Dr. Scott offers a step-by-step approach to building an interest-based learning plan. And, as a bonus, Dr. Scott shares the story of one of the greatest guitarists in rock history, Eddie Van Halen, as an example of someone who built his entire life’s learning around one interest.
#3 How to build an effective and engaging reading program
Matt had so much to say about reading it took two blogs to get it covered. Actually, Matt talks more about the learning habits to work on before a parent takes on reading practice, or writing practice, or problem-solving practice.
#4 How to create a skilled problem-solver
Dr. Scott shares two problem-solving strategies appropriate for parents and their kids to work on together – anywhere, anytime. The first strategy is being able to ask your young learner essential questions. Great questions matter to a quality learning experience. The second strategy is the Art of Observation protocol, including four skills: Looking, Thinking, Describing, and Connecting.
#5 How to build a strong communicator
Dr. Scott poses the question “Can you learn everything you want to learn by following the research and writing process?”
#6 How to install character skills inside your young learner
Dr. Scott focuses on the 16 habits of mind introduced back in the 90’s by Art Costa and Bena Kallick, and urges parents to focus on building these skills right along with reading, communication, and problem-solving.
#7 How to create strong relationships to build a smarter and stronger learner
Dr. Scott compares how relationships are assigned in traditional school settings compared how they can be built in learner-centered models.
Connecting these skills to your child’s overall learning plan will give you a good head start developing a learning pathway that will be both fun and rewarding for your child and your family. Don’t forget to go to The Education Game to access additional tools (The Scouting Report, The Game Plan, and The Learner Whiteboard, with more tools to come) to help you begin your journey to develop your son or daughter into a smarter and stronger learner, one who is independent, self-directed, and prepared to be a life-long learner.