Globally connected learning…
The Homeschool Co-op and summer camp program grew out of a desire to connect children in southern Oregon with the greater world, giving them a strong sense of self while becoming empathetic global citizens. Beyond traditional academics Global Learners embark on an immersive journey to experience the world through art, crafts, music, cooking and language while gaining a deeper understanding of themselves. In this sense, a Global Learner is a traveler, without ever having to leave the Rogue Valley.
What makes an arts based education a great foundation?
All around the world people are producing art, music, literature, architecture and food as a form of expression. As Global Learners we embrace all of these arts. At the very beginning of human development there were paintings on cave walls and figures made of stone and clay. The written word has a rich creative history. And food gives more than bodily nourishment, with beautiful presentation and combinations for taste. Even many mathematic skills are intertwined with the arts. By approaching education from this standpoint, learning becomes relevant to students on a deeper level, because it’s connected to things they can explore with their senses.
Encouraging students to grow as individuals and community members…
As mentioned, history is full of incredible art, and much of our human past is seen and studied through the creativity of people that came before us. And now, in our complex social world, the arts give an outlet to our thoughts, just as they did in the past. It’s this creative expression that defines and connects humanity across all cultures and times. By integrating an understanding of a culture’s arts we delve deeper into the understanding of that culture. Meanwhile, we also explore who we are and how we connect to the world around us. Community based projects allow students to feel empowered to make a difference. And our curriculum grows outward, starting with the individual, and building out to encompass the greater world. We bring together the “self” and the “other”, building relationships and allowing students the freedom to work on what matters to them. What could be more important than encouraging students to find their own voice?
Visual / Creative Arts
Art offers a way for us to see ourselves in the world around us. It can also give us a way to see ourselves. Art can make us think, feel, question and wonder. For example, in The Narcissus Theorem exhibition by Jean-Michel Othoniel in Paris, the chains of globes reflect (and distort) all who pass by. Displayed at the Petit Palaise, with its beautiful mosaic ground and marble walls there’s both tension and connection between the traditional and contemporary.
Culinary Arts
“Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.” – Dorothy Day
This Lebanese breakfast demonstrates the reason why food can be referred to as “culinary arts”. The flavors and the presentation come together to create an experience beyond just consuming food to nourish our bodies. When we cook as a group we also experience social growth by working together to create something, then sitting down together to share it.
Literary Arts
When reading feels relevant to the reader it opens up a door to the world. A vast array of literature addresses every aspect of the human experience, of history, of emotion, fact and fantasy. The written word allows the communication of ideas on a grand scale. Language provides the foundation for so many of our interactions. Through literature we deepen our understanding of language, while exploring many relevant topics.
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Contact us today for information about our homeschool co-op and summer camp programs: .travelwitharts.com/contact-us