Phases of Learning
I have found the Phases of Learning as taught in Thomas Jefferson Education circles, very useful in framing progression in my life and the lives of my children. Here’s a synopsis:
Core Phase: about ages 0-8, though we visit core principles repeatedly through life, like the core of an apple. It's about Right/Wrong, Good/Bad, care for my body, who am I and what's my relationship to the people immediately around me. Education in this time is play; tremendous learning is going on but most of it looks to adults like Play.
Love of Learning Phase: about ages 8-12 or 13, unless disrupted by forced learning (which would cause Hate of Learning). This is exploration, flitting from subject to subject, learning a little about a great many things. Some learn to read before this time, some during and some at the end of this time. Skills and attitudes towards learning are developing; children learn which subjects and activities attract them, and which they become passionate about.
Scholar Phase: about ages 13-18 or 19 (or leaving home). This is when maturity and inclination tend towards much more intense academic study. Children see the need to become better informed and more skilled, and are looking ahead to what they want to become. Some Scholars willingly study 8 hours a day or more, on subjects they are passionate about. It's my experience that this is the time when loose ends from earlier educational experiences get tied up: grammar, spelling, math, algebra, composition, handwriting/typing, science, history, politics, art... it's an intense time. This is when it's tempting to drag dear child away from the computer or away from books because of worry that he'll wear out his eyes or become an egghead; this is when it's tempting to say, No more study until you've had some exercise!!! But it's also the best time (in Western society at least) for children to devote themselves to study; they will not have time for the same kind of devotion when they're working full time at a job.
Depth Phase: after Scholar Phase but not a definite length of time. This is action on becoming the person the child desires to become. There are often several more years of study (college, training, intense study), but also beginning to do their life's work. If the child/adult has not decided what to focus on yet, this is further discovery and study.
Mission Phase: this is doing the work the person has come to earth to do. This is purposeful and consuming; this is work. For me this is parenting and writing; for my husband this has been teaching and parenting. There are as many missions in life as there are people; this is what our children are preparing for.
Mentor Phase: this is the grandparent/elder statesman time. This is helping people coming up through their own phases, teaching and being an example and encouragement.
This timeline does not stress having academic skills in place until the child feels the need for them. They will explore drawing, writing, making music, playing sports, numbers, reading, listening, speaking, but intense study usually happens about the time when the child is mature enough to really develop those skills (gradually, 8 to 13 or later). Earlier learning is to be fun and informative, but not forced. I'm not saying, do nothing but play. Instead, learn where your children can see you, and share with them what you’re excited about. Let each child determine what topics are compelling to study. In my household, with seven children with varied interests, it means focusing on one topic at a time as a family, while allowing access to library and online materials on other topics as well. We keep paper and pencils available all the time; we explore many subjects as interests and needs dictate. And we take turns on the computer. Everyone can see and hear what’s going on; they learn from each other’s explorations, as well.
