Sharing The Holistic Approach To Education
How to build a trusting relationship between the home educator and the family
A small observation: a home educator is an educator, teacher or a tutor, also referred to as nanny (this word, however, can sometimes carry a negative connotation be associated with baby-sitting) who works in a domestic setting, is responsible for the emotional, social, physical and intellectual well being of the child or children living in the family.
I have been a home educator for several years. I have met different kinds of parents and parenting approaches to education. One of the main tasks of a nanny and a family is to build a strong and trustworthy relationship. Both can achieve this only if they use their emotional intelligence and internal awareness. They both need to be empathic, open-minded and heart-centred individuals. It’s fundamental to share the same human values and the same approach to education to build a trusting relationship.
Human values should be shared and followed by both:
♦ Trust
The home educator needs to be trustworthy and reliable, while the family needs to respect the job terms stipulated in the contract.
♦ Honesty
It’s better if both parties are able to talk about everything they like or dislike, regarding their approaches to education, household issues, etc in order to avoid any rising negative feelings or resentments.
♦ Respect
Respect for every nanny and family religion, ethnic group, languages, culture, throughout the world.
♦ Collaboration
Working in partnership with the parent to foster the emotional, psychological and social well-being of the child.
♦ Kindness
Always use a gentle way of expression and communication.
♦ Patient
Being patient is a very high human virtue. It is the key for building strong relationships and for achieving positive rewarding goals.
As a holistic educator, I follow the holistic approach to education that nurtures the development of the whole child. This includes the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, aesthetic, creative and spiritual aspects of every child.
The holistic approach has to be shared with the family and is based on:
– genuine observation of a child’s needs and interests.
– fostering the development of a child’s personality (which is formed in the child’s first seven years).
– setting up an appropriate and safe environment which can stimulate the child’s curiosity.
– staying fully present and slowing down to the child’s pace.
– being aware of the uniqueness of the child and helping him/her to discover his/her special talents.
– embodying love, care and affection to nurture the child’s soul, body and mind
– engaging with him/her in age-appropriate activities using educational toys, natural materials, arts & crafts while paying careful attention to avoid overstimulating the child
– building a strong and trustworthy relationship with all the family members.
– developing good communication skills based on empathy and respect
Families and home educators all over the world! Are you getting inspired by the holistic approach to education? The only approach which can free the spirit of the child?
What do you think about sharing your thoughts on this?
I’d love to hear from you!I hope you enjoyed reading my post!
