What is Our Child-Led Approach?
- 219musicschool
- Jan 9, 2023
- 2 min read
Backstory
With 2 small kids approaching school age, we had to look at all the education options available to us. We did lots of research into homeschooling, public schools, public-alternative school, private schools and what each one had to offer. We read books on child development and education and eventually came across child-led learning.
Letting the child be in control of their learning is shocking. Our first reaction was just that - aren't we, as adults, responsible for their learning? But the more we read, the more we realized that kids are hard-wired to learn. It is their survival instinct. They need to understand how this world works, what skills they need, how to fit-in socially, to survive and ultimately succeed.
We also believe that keeping things in proportion is healthy. Child-led learning isn't for every family, or for every child, or for every area in their lives. However, we believe music, is a perfect place to give children control of their learning. There
are infinite paths to take, multiple ways to learn, and limitless things to experience. Why not let them choose their own adventure?
Highlights
What makes our approach child-led?
Believing that children are inherently motivated to learn.
Listening to the child and adjusting the tools, methods and pace to better fit with their natural curiosity.
Creatively presenting key skills and fundamentals in a way that best fits their learning style.
Changing strategies and methods fearlessly. Knowing that in the end, it is best for the child to be free to learn in a stress-free, suitable environment.
Noticing progress, encouraging growth and building a safe environment to try new things and make mistakes without the pressure of formal evaluation, grades or exams.
Conclusion
We thought this would be a great approach for our kids. We naturally applied these concepts to our students in the music school and see that this approach is appreciated by many students and parents. We are so happy to be growing a healthy, positive, relationship with music for our students!
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