How will I know what we will be learning?

You don’t and that is the Magic

Identifying your child’s interests involves observation, communication, exploration and flexibility.

  • You Got This: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of embarking on self-directed learning, remember that there is no single prescribed path. Staying connected and engaged with your child throughout the day will naturally guide you both towards meaningful learning experiences in your daily life, without the need for anything extra.
  • Follow Their Lead: Allow your child to take the lead in their learning journey. This takes a vast amount of trust and can be very scary and uncomfortable to parents at first. Support their interests by providing resources, guidance, and encouragement. Be flexible and open to adjusting based on their evolving interests and preferences. Be open to where it might lead and challenge yourself to dig deep to the “why” if you are finding that you are uncomfortable with how they are choosing to spend their time.
  • Observe: Pay attention to what activities your child naturally gravitates towards. Notice what they choose to do in their free time, what topics they ask questions about, and what hobbies they enjoy.
  • Observe Patterns: Notice any recurring themes or patterns in your child’s interests. Do they consistently show interest in certain topics, activities, or types of learning experiences? Pay attention to these patterns as they can provide valuable insights into your child’s passions and strengths.
  • Get Curious: Initiate conversations with your child about their interests. Use declarative language to invite them to share activities they enjoy and subjects they want to explore further. Actively listen to their responses and deepen the conversation by expressing curiosity with statements like “I wonder…” or “I’d like to learn more about…” This approach helps uncover and nurture their interests.
  • Provide Choice: Offer your child opportunities to make choices and decisions about their learning. Allow them to choose which subjects to explore, which projects to pursue, and how to approach their learning. Giving children autonomy and ownership over their learning can help them develop a deeper sense of engagement and motivation. This is key for all children and especially neurodivergent children.
  • Encourage Exploration: Provide opportunities for your child to explore a variety of activities, subjects, and experiences. Offer a range of resources such as books, videos, games, and hands-on materials to spark their curiosity and uncover new interests. You can learn more about setting up a supportive environment and strewing here.
  • Document Their Learning Journey: Keep track of your child’s interests, activities, and progress over time. Use journals, portfolios, or digital platforms to document their learning journey and reflect on their experiences. Reviewing their journey can help you identify emerging interests and track their growth and development. The focus is not on having your child produce learning examples or prove their learning. This documentation is for you as the guide.