In this prolonged absence from the classroom environment it is okay, and even encouraged, for children to take a break from academic work and focus on other aspects of life. The process of Self-Construction doesn’t stop when a child leaves school. It is happening all the time, as creative work done by the self. Children are still learning and growing without the academic work provided at school, and the work outside of academics is just as important! In the classroom we support this work of Self-Construction with our prepared environment, including the materials on the shelves, which are not in the home. However, we also support growth by offering freedom of choice in activity, and no limit on time allowance, which is a concept that can be practiced in the home.

Your elementary child is powered by their imagination, the development of a reasoning mind as well as moral development. You can support these characteristics in the home on a daily basis, by have conversations with your child. Conversations that begin with a “what if…” question are a great support to their imaginative mind. Explanations and discussions of cause and effect will play to their development of a reasoning mind. And conversations about your family morals are just as important, especially in these confusing times.

Within a household, the concepts of freedom and responsibility can play a huge role in your child’s development. In the classroom, we provide freedom from interference, time tables/schedules and rewards/punishments. We provide freedom to experiment, work at one’s own pace, move and be active, rest when needed and exercise will and judgment. With freedom comes responsibility, which can be defined as doing what is right by one’s own choice, and there are many responsibilities within the home.

Education can be defined as any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual. Education is the process by which society deliberately transmits it’s accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one generation to the next. There is a lot to be learned and processed right now as our society struggles with an unprecedented problem. Helping your elementary child understand the scope of these times on a societal level, will play to their reasoning mind and desire to see the role they themselves play in society.