Holistic Education the Ashlar Way
Holistic education is concerned with the development of a person’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potentials.
“Each person find[s] identity, meaning, and purpose in life through connections to the community, to the natural world, and to humanitarian values such as compassion and peace. Holistic education aims to call forth from people an intrinsic reverence for life and a passionate love of learning.”
— Ron Miller- Pioneer in Holistic Education
"Where open, honest, and respectful communication is the norm; where differences between people are appreciated; where interaction is based on mutual support and not competition of hierarchy, and where the decision making process (if not engaged in by everyone at some level) is at least accepted by everyone." — Scott H. Forbes, Author of 'Holistic Education'
Ways we implement Holistic Values
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Opportunities to connect with nature
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Multi-age classrooms or studios
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Experiential, hands-on learning
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Focus on Relationships, Responsibility, and Reverence for all life
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Child-lead, emergent curriculum
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Teachers as friends or mentors rather than authority figures
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Inclusive of all abilities and gifts, inspiring individual passions
Our Curriculum
There are no deficits in learners- just differences.
Our curriculum constantly evolves to meet the needs of our students. It can be described as:
Hands-On, Child-Lead, Experiential, Emergent, Play-Based, Nature-Based, Individualized and Holistic.
Specifically, we cater to each child's learning style, passions, interests, personality, developmental readiness, and even mood to determine our course on any given day. Although the children may not detect it, we work deliberately to nurture the 7 areas of intelligence listed below.
Social
How can I relate to the people around me? What do they need from me? What do I need from them? How do my actions affect others? How can we work together?
Academic
What can I think about? How can I learn? Which goals will help me to master reading, writing, and math?
Physical
How can I move my body? What are ways to keep my body healthy and strong? What activities do I enjoy doing? How can I improve my strength, endurance, and coordination?
The Whole Child
I am a whole child. There is more to me than what academic test scores may tell you. I have a variety of intelligences, and my own unique combination of skills and attributes is what makes me, me. Nurture my strengths and support my struggles. What am I ready for? How can I challenge myself? Help me to grow confidently in the person I am, ready to take the path that is just right for me.
Creative
Emotional
How can I identify my feelings? What is a healthy way to process them? Can I tell what others are feeling, too?
Artistic
How can I use my skills to make something beautiful? Something delightful? Something useful?
What can I do or make that has never been before? How can I think about things in new ways? When do I see things differently?
Spiritual
How can I tap into my sense of wonder? What is my understanding of the world and my part in it? In what ways do I find myself thinking about the bigger picture? Where do I feel a sense of belonging?