Introducing My Homeschooling Philosophy: A Journey with Geri Lane
Guiding Your Homeschooling Adventure
Greetings!
I'm Geri Lane, an enthusiastic educator and a former public school teacher with a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Common Core and STEAM integration. It brings me immense joy to accompany you on this remarkable homeschooling voyage.
In my educational journey, I've always viewed accountability as a guiding light rather than a restriction. National and state standards serve as a roadmap, leading us towards enriching content at every grade level. Yet, what truly ignites my passion for homeschooling is the unparalleled freedom and flexibility it offers. Here, your children can delve deep into subjects, pursue their interests, and embrace learning at their own pace, unbound by traditional school structures. Isn't that truly liberating?
A motto that resonates deeply with me is, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right!" This embodies the Growth Mindset I wholeheartedly support - encouraging children to tackle challenges head-on and persist in the face of adversity. Together on this journey, we will nurture resilience and instill a lifelong love for learning.
In alignment with Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, I firmly believe in recognizing and fostering each child's unique talents and passions. By observing your child/ren and empowering them to pursue their interests early on, we can help shape their future career paths.
In today's era of AI and technology, while it's vital to engage with emerging technologies, we mustn't overlook the foundational skills of reading and writing. What better way to cultivate these skills than through authentic STEAM integration? From culinary adventures at home to nature explorations, each day presents a myriad of learning opportunities. Imagine the wonder of discovery as your child learns amidst the great outdoors! I resonate deeply with Benedict Carey's book "How We Learn" - learning is not confined to a desk; it can happen anywhere and everywhere! Why limit our children when the world itself is a vast classroom?
From deciphering context clues for vocabulary enrichment to incorporating literary and informational text signposts, you will equip your children with critical thinking skills essential for a lifetime. Let's not overlook the power of poetry! Poetry serves as a beautiful medium to express thoughts, emotions, and new concepts through its rhythmic verses. We infuse poetry into many of our lessons, making learning not only educational but also engaging and enjoyable.
To integrate all these facets seamlessly, I employ a Reading/Writing Workshop model in every lesson. This model intertwines relevant literature and informational text, promotes "writing to learn" strategies, and showcases tangible evidence of learning through portfolio-worthy artifacts. Inspired by Carol Dweck's book "Designing Groupwork," this approach can be tailored to suit individual students or homeschool co-op groups.
Lastly, I am a firm believer in entrepreneurship and its transformative potential. Entrepreneurial ideas and activities are interwoven into Grades 2 and beyond. Why not harness all that STEAM knowledge to cultivate a thriving business? With STEAM integration, the possibilities are endless! I am dedicated to crafting a dynamic, STEAM-integrated learning experience that celebrates your child's innate talents and gifts. Together, you and your child will embark on a journey that can not only meet but surpass standards, nurture resilience, and equip your children for a bright future.
Are you prepared to inspire lifelong learners poised to leave their mark on the world?
To your success,
Geri Lane