Learning Hive Consulting
Canada Muskoka, ON, Canada

Hoping your weekend was relaxing and left you and your learning journey partners refreshed and recharged for this coming week. As educators and learning partners we tend to focus most, if not all, of our energy on our young learners; are they getting enough exposure to everything, are we answering their questions in thought provoking ways, are we providing a rich and stimulating environment, are we following their lead in regards to interest and curiosity? The list co...ntinues.... What about the educator? The learning partner? What about you? Are you enjoying this journey? Are you engaged with the environment? Are you learning alongside your young learner? Take some time this week to reflect and define why you're here, why you started this journey, if it's filling your cup. Oftentimes, we stress if our young learner is happy but not ourselves. This is your sign to shake it up if you're feeling bogged down, the more fulfilled you are the more positive the learning environment becomes. See more

Risk taking is part of the educational journey. Allowing learners to experience risk taking develops body awareness, spatial awareness, works gross motor skills, enhances judgement, risk calculation, problem solving and strategy. Risk taking in the winter adds a new element into the mix; snow. Does snow help or hinder when there is risk involved in play? Does snow cause the risk? Ask questions to help your learner gauge and calculate the risk in their play rather than warning... of risk. Instead of a general warning such as 'be careful', try reinforcing the use of a particular skill that would be helpful in the situation. For example, if your learner is walking along a narrow structure saying 'wow, your balance is really helping you right now' provides encouragement while naming a skill that your learner can focus on to help. So, what risk are you taking today? See more

Take a regular activity outside. Changing up your scenery changes up the way the activity can be interacted with. Try it out!

Journal outside and outside of the lines. Learning Hive Consulting believes in letting beginner writers journal on blank, unlined pages. Using blank pages allows your learner to develop a love for writing without the restrictions of trying to stay 'between the lines'. As confidence in writing and as a writer grows, the introduction of lined pages can be brought in. Foster a love for writing before layering the rules of written communication on your learner.

Taking breaks during formal learning can help boost morale, refresh the mind, body and attitude while reducing burnout, frustration and disinterest. Whether you go for a walk outdoors, read a chapter or sip some tea - take a break today.