Educating the Whole Child
By Linda Northrup, M.Ed
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Educating the Whole ChildBy Linda Northrup, M.Ed
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In the education of a child, Wholeness becomes the key to unlocking the full potential of the child’s being. No longer can we compartmentalize learning and expect an integrated human being who is capable of the global thought processes needed for living in a world of increasing complexity. Children, who reflect the very nature of Wholeness, thrive when they are allowed to develop in ways that honor their mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Schools that respect the Wholeness of a child create an environment that naturally feeds their inquiring minds. They nurture emotional expression as an avenue to engage the child’s passion and imagination. Holistic education understands the importance of the child’s body as a vehicle for integrating and anchoring new learning. The teachers speak to the heart of the child with compassion and wisdom, and respect their individual gifts and learning style. They know that the most important work they do together is learning to care for each other and the earth. A learning process that nurtures the whole child reflects a discovery-oriented learning process that creates a balance between the intellectual, emotional, and physical nature of the child. In such a classroom, a child’s receptivity to the learning process is studied with great interest by the teachers. They observe the readiness of the child’s mind-body system and natural learning rhythms. The child's individual learning style becomes the key indicator of the type of interaction needed between teacher and child. The teachers of today’s children need to fully understand the process of helping them develop their evolving gifts so that learning can be integrated within their whole brain-mind-body system. In that way they can develop according to their highest path of service to the greater Whole. A holistic approach to learning requires an understanding of... 1) The brain and how it receives and processes information 2) The body’s integral part in learning and anchoring information 3) The importance of emotional expression, imagination, and creativity 4) The natural learning rhythms of the child 5) Universal principles, and the interconnection of All Life 6) Intuitive intelligence and expanded multisensory perceptions 7) The teacher's role as mentor and facilitator of global thought processes As the new millennium unfolds, education can become the vehicle for transforming our world. The children of today will need to transcend their individual communities and make decisions that promote the well-being of the global community. To accomplish this
task, teaching will need to re-focus its emphasis on a linear,
compartmentalization of knowledge and embrace a holistic view of
learning that aligns with today’s highly intuitive, global children. A
quantum leap is required to create a model of education that honors the
Whole, and our children are ready for the challenge. Can we as educators
open our hearts and minds and lead the way? |
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