When my daughter was in school, I felt like a more effective parent because of her teacher. Parents often count their blessings when they ‘get a good teacher’ or just try to make it through the year when they don’t. Throughout my career of training educators and consulting in schools, I have met many dedicated teachers and parents who question the old system and long for a more authentic education model.
Our common sense education begins with the child in mind then asks what is needed for healthy childhood development and how we teach the cognitive, social-emotional, and sensory-motor skills in a balanced way. Since it is impossible to know what skills will be needed in their lifetime, we must equip students with the mindset, skillset, and internal architecture to navigate their world.
Your child’s internal architecture refers to their integrity, ethical thinking, initiative, compassion, and awareness. As I was speaking of the importance of these qualities, one parent remarked, “Oh, it’s like Jedi training! In the Star Wars world, the Jedi warriors’ code emphasizes self-improvement through knowledge and wisdom, and selfless service through acts of charity and citizenship.” Well, then yes, it is like Jedi training. Parents should not have to choose between strong academics and strong internal architecture (Jedi training) for their children, and I contend that you cannot really have one without the other.
At Caulbridge School, we are courageous enough to teach in ways that authentically address child development, even when contemporary education practices run contrary. When I asked a young couple what attracted them to Caulbridge, Dad simply said, “We don’t want the light in our son’s eyes to dim.” They were looking for a relevant education in a nurturing environment. I invite you to visit and see for yourself.
Fifty percent of American children are unable to cope! What does this mean for our children? How can we equip them with the skills necessary to successfully navigate their ever-changing world? In her groundbreaking work, A Common Sense Education in Uncommon Times: Caulbridge, author, parent, and education expert Debra Lambrecht takes on these questions. Her answers may both surprise you and have you thinking, ‘Well, that makes sense!’
“We are preparing children for a time of new paradigms, for jobs that have not yet been created, for unknown challenges and undiscovered solutions. In these unprecedented times of change and uncertainty, our world needs adaptive thinkers with strength of heart and character. “