Our homeschooling inspiration arrived when COVID-19 ended the public school term, in March 2020. When Austin, Texas public schools shut their doors and switched to 100% virtual classrooms, requiring 7 hours of screen time every day, we knew we could easily offer our kids something more customized, hands-on, and nature-based.
That’s when we decided to take up the torch to advance their educations. Our kids needed our attention. We didn’t even realize how much they craved our presence, until we started showing up for them more fully for homeschool. We took the kids to the woods, poured a water bowl, and lit a fire.
The foundation of our school is held by three primary pillars: holistic education, nature-based lessons, and 72 virtues. Each of these is explained below. Above all else, we value creative expression and genuine connection. Secondarily, we respect traditional school subjects that include reading, math, and science.
Holistic Education
Our lessons are holistically designed to expand the mind, body, and heart. One of our influences in this area is Rudolf Steiner, who developed the Waldorf education model. Steiner’s book How To Know Higher Worlds recognizes that all people have opportunities to expand through the pursuit of conscious thinking, feeling, and willing. Holistic education is a balanced blend of opportunities to grow in these areas.
Nature-Based Lessons
We’re giving these kids a nature-based alternative education, because we feel this is what serves their highest good. We offer a blend of outdoor recreation and inner exploration as they get to know their true Nature, seeing it reflected in their surroundings. In this way, we recognize each person’s unique gifts and talents, applying them to our present lifestyle.
72 Virtues
The 72 virtues are a study in sovereignty. Examples of these virtues include: Warrior of the Light, Creative Fire, and Sacred Medicine Cultivator. These virtues are missing from the public school system, but they are vitally important and they are vastly improved by awakening, remembering, and practicing our highest potential.
Daily Routine
- Opening Circle – Greeting the day with encouraging words
- Physical Warm Up – Stretching and energizing the body
- Brain Boost – Answering questions, strengthening the mind
- Lunch – Satisfying hunger and thirst with culinary art
- Rest & Recharge – Building tools and techniques for relaxation
- Soundscapes – Expressing through music and movement
- Art Party – Artistically exploring the creative potential
- Free Play – Fostering a sense of freedom to choose
- Closing Circle – Integrating by listening twice and speaking once