TRANSCRIPT:
My school of tomorrow would be in a free society where everything is voluntary and the education of our children would be guided by what the parents believed would be in their kid’s best interest.
What do parents want number 1 for their kids?
They want them to be happy. Here’s a curriculum that, as a parent, I believe would be in my child’s best interest or at least a good beginning.
First things first.
This young human needs to learn all about themselves first so they can thrive by making good decisions about their health and safety.
Mind, Body, and Spirit all need first attention. Other skills would be introduced by default. For instance, the basics of freedom require that a person not trespass on another person’s rights. In the words of John McAffe,
We can’t hit one another
We can’t take each other’s stuff
We must keep our word and agreements
And personal privacy and freedom are paramount in a civilized society.
Living by these guidelines would help to avoid conflict which is unsafe, unproductive, and not in my child’s best interest. Whereas cooperation and tolerance for other’s views would lead to a more peaceful and productive and happy life.
The early years reminds me of the way we socialize puppies by letting them interact in a large group thus learning how to communicate with others and finding the boundaries of non-aggression.
More specifically, here’s a breakdown:
Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 3
Individual Well Being
Health: personal hygiene, exercise, nutrition, and rest
Mind: self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and self-expression
Body: motor skills, physical development, and health habits
Spirit: values, character development, and empathy
Freedom - Yours and Theirs
Allowing others their freedom: personal space, choices, and self-regulation
Communication: listening, speaking, and nonverbal communication
Tolerance: respect for differences, empathy, and cooperation
Grades 4 through 6
Individual Well Being
Health: physical and mental health, stress management, and healthy relationships
Mind: critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Body: sports and physical activities, health education, and prevention of substance abuse
Spirit: ethical decision-making, civic responsibility, and cultural awareness
Freedom - Yours and Theirs
Allowing others their freedom: respect for privacy, property, and diversity
Communication: assertiveness, active listening, and conflict resolution
Tolerance: appreciation of cultural diversity, social justice, and human rights
Grades 7 through 9
Individual Well Being
Health: mental health, sexual health, and prevention of risky behaviors
Mind: academic skills, leadership, and career readiness
Body: physical fitness, first aid, and safety skills
Spirit: values clarification, spiritual development, and social responsibility
Freedom - Yours and Theirs
Allowing others their freedom: personal autonomy, independence, and responsibility
Communication: effective communication skills, persuasive writing, and media literacy
Tolerance: social activism, global citizenship, and intercultural communication
Grades 10 through 12
Individual Well Being
Health: self-care, stress management, and community health
Mind: college and career planning, financial literacy, and technological skills
Body: health and wellness education, sports and recreation, and driver education
Spirit: ethical leadership, service learning, and personal growth
Freedom - Yours and Theirs
Allowing others their freedom: freedom of speech, expression, and religion
Communication: public speaking, debate, and journalism
Tolerance: conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity, and civic engagement
By focusing on these topics at each grade level, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how to take care of themselves while respecting the freedom of others, communicating effectively, and being tolerant of different opinions and backgrounds. This will provide a solid foundation for success in all aspects of life, including relationships, career, and civic engagement.
I know the pauses need work on the next one.
Laughing Buddha is responsible for this. :)
