child led learning

Follow the Child & Educational Resources

Follow the Child & Educational Resources
Photo-Part of Raising Up Wild Things Garden Nature Journal 

Years in the classroom as a teacher, shifted everything I once believed about learning. In fact, it forced me to step back into my childhood to see how I was learning well before I stepped foot into a classroom. It helped me see that I didn't need to lead the way in my classroom,  I needed to observe my students and allow them to show me the way. 

Learning is happening all the time 

Our children begin learning in the womb and one of the most powerful things we can do is speak to our child/children before they are born. Same goes for after they are born-speak to them, read to them, connect, pay attention to what makes their eyes light up and dive in. 

Follow the child

Unfortunately, child led learning is often replaced with the pressure to keep up and one very common concern-"How do I know if my child is behind? 

First I want to ask this-Behind what? 

Truth is every child is behind someone and every child is ahead of someone. So let's drop the comparison and worry.  Let's start focusing on OUR child/children and support them where they are at- whether they are well ahead, right on track or "behind." 

One of the best things we can do is drop the pressure to perform for a test or milestone. Sure, milestones have their place, but everyone should be able to reach them differently and at different times. 

Let's trust our children to bloom when they are ready.  And more often than not,  let's follow the child instead of leading the child. 

When we give our children the opportunity to lean into what they love, the learning is lifelong instead of test passing long. The knowledge stays when a child is interested and the quest to know more is constant. 

With that said, I often get asked what we use for a curriculum. We don't follow a curriculum,  we follow our child and use some wonderful resources to support her. 

If you are looking for some great resources I'm including some of our favorites! 

First up- 
Raising Up Wild Things is having a sale on the best of the best when it comes to nature journals! The illustrations are hand drawn by Natalie and her heart is poured into everything she does. To top it off she is having a sale! 

Raising Up Wild Things see code below

For 30% off  use code STAYWILD. The sale is for four days only, beginning Wednesday, 7/20, through Saturday, 7/23 at Midnight (Pacific Time). 

Here are a few of my other favorites. Feel free to send me a message if you have any questions about any of the resources.  I'm even happy to share a sneak peak! 


I have several other resources,  please reach out if you need help. I love helping families find the perfect fit for their child/children.  

Enjoy the rest of the summer and remember to breathe-play and rest is also learning. 

HUGS,
Joey
@Destinationmommy 

Thoughts on Homeschooling

Thoughts on Homeschooling
But what happens when we have the gift of time? The opportunity to let our children slowly emerge from their chrysalis,  stretch their wings and become themselves in their time? Or perhaps stay a caterpillar as long as they need...
Read more...

Meet Joey Hodlmair

 
Hello! I'm Joey,

A 41 year old mama of one, my miracle baby. I'm a lover of all things nature and you'll often find me barefoot in the garden. I was raised "wild" as many would call it today. I spent my days outside as a child, collecting rocks and sticks and swimming with my ducks. We made beautiful art from our nature treasures and ate lunch with dirt under our nails. The best part~I was raised by my mom. Unfortunately a woman that didn't know her worth and to this day wonders if the childhood she provided us was enough.

My mom and my childhood~Are the reasons I'm here in this space. To encourage you to find the calm in where your heart calls you to be. To encourage you to leave the hustle behind and be connected with what truly matters. 

I wasn't raised with all the latest and greatest,  but I was raised at home by a mama that made the mundane, magical. Her time was and is a gift. I'm here to tell you to let go of what the world wants you to believe a child needs in order to be happy.

More about me~ I am an empath, raising an emapth. My work is currently supporting families raising emapths.  My love language is acts of service, but I'm working on putting myself at the top of the list. I can play several instruments by ear, but the cello is probably my favorite. I'm a recovering workaholic, once a woman that believed her worth was determined by how much she accomplished...I love homemade food and meals at the table. I am an introvert, that loves being home, yet craves connection. I'm Hispanic, Chinese and Native American. I'm a infertility warrior that once dreamed of 7 children. I'm a work in progress and thankful for this chapter in my life that has taught me to never judge a book by its cover.  

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