by Erin | Jul 10, 2018 | advocacy, child-lead, deschooling the adults, inspiration, trust
“I don’t have to do anything!”, my seven year old gleefully shouts while spinning in circles in our backyard. My eldest of three, he is an individual who is far more physically and emotionally literate than I’ve ever been. He and his two siblings have been raised in...
by Erin | Jul 10, 2018 | advocacy, inspiration, our research, power dynamics
What’s Love Got to Do With It? —Well, EVERYTHING! As an NVC conscious human, parent and learning facilitator, and self-proclaimed fierce lover, I thoroughly appreciate the definition of affective equality put forth by Lynch, Baker & Lyons in their book...
by Erin | Jun 13, 2018 | connection, inspiration, nature connection, reflection
After writing my blog post Disconnection in Some of Us Hurts All of Us, I shared it with my We Learn Naturally co-inspirers before sharing it publicly. It’s so nice to have a support network to bounce ideas off of when I am feeling vulnerable. Chelsea wondered...
by Erin | May 27, 2018 | connection, feelings, inspiration, meeting needs, nature connection, nonviolent communication, power dynamics, reflection, self-awareness, self-connection
This post is going to get a little personal. I often feel vulnerable sharing personal things in a blog, out there in the world for everyone to read (and judge) but my learning happens through experience and I really want to share my observation with you. In our...
by Erin | May 19, 2018 | child-lead, reflection
On Friday at City School we had an all-day field trip. Being out in the community all day brought on so many new experiences! The space that we rent at the church was booked this week and we created an adult plan that included getting some plants for our community...
by Erin | May 8, 2018 | child-lead, deschooling the adults, youth empowerment
We Learn Naturally sponsors the Children’s Market, an idea initiated and planned by Meaghan Jackson of Joyful Mudpuddles. It is so much fun for everyone, patrons, vendors, kids, and adults. This time my kids were bursting with excitement to take part. My son had lots...
by Erin | Mar 11, 2018 | child-lead, deschooling the adults, meeting needs, play, safe spaces
We’ve been running City School as pop up sessions for families who are curious to check us out. Slowly we’re creating a community of regulars but we still get new families popping in. When adults observe our pop ins and see non stop play, I sometimes...
by Erin | Feb 24, 2018 | child-lead, deschooling the adults, meeting needs, trust, youth empowerment
A few weeks ago, Gee suggested that we go on a field trip at City School to the local pizza store. A few kids showed interest and so we went about planning our first field trip. I didn’t realize it would be an exercise in deschooling for me! An adult question was...
by Erin | Feb 11, 2018 | attachment, connection, meeting needs, safe spaces
It was our first pop up session at City School on Friday.I was really nervous beforehand and it was a great relief that the day was peaceful and fairly easy to navigate. (The conflicts and arguments will come later when they are more comfortable!) I was feeling that...
by Erin | Oct 6, 2017 | feelings, nature connection, self-connection
I have been reading a book about trees off and on for a while now. I like it because I can pick it up anytime and leave it for months before finding it again. Today I found it while my youngest was snuggling in for a nap. So, the underlying “science” is that trees...
