Author: Eric Jacobson

Educational links philosophical links PARTNER LINKS Simple English Encyclopedia: free encyclopedia for students Fact Monster: free encyclopedia for students Kids.net: free encyclopedia for studentsThe Library of Congress: free encyclopedia for studentsKhan Academy: learn Math, Science & engineering, Computing, Arts & humanities, Economics & finance, Test prep, College, careers, & moreMr. Nassbaum: learn a wide range of topics in math, language arts, history, geography, and science on this educational gaming site.Smithsonian Learning Lab: puts the treasures of the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex within reachBJ Pinchbeck: homework helpKidinfo: homework help Neohumanist Education: site of the global movement that Progressive School is connected toPositive Psychology: the scientific study of what makes life most worth livingCommon Sense Media: non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, providing trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume. Reviews of content in movies, games, websites, and more. iGive.com: shop almost anywhere online through iGive.com and they will donate to Progressive School.

Last year our theme was Integral Learning. We experimented with thematic units that integrated many academic disciplines. By contrast, most school learning is accomplished through separate subject studies. For example, the History of the Ancient Greeks would be a social studies unit—removed from reading, writing, math, science, art, music, etc. But in our daily life and jobs, learning tends to be integrated, rarely sorted and artificially detached into academic niche subjects. Furthermore, children’s minds are touched and inspired by the thematic approach which shows the connection between subjects, exposing the deeper meaning and purpose for learning. Ecology is the study of how Life interrelates in a systemic way with all biological forms and their surroundings. Relationships take place at the atomic and molecular level, between plants and animals, and among species in ecological networks and systems. This year we have chosen to combine Integral Learning with Ecology, resulting in Integral Ecology. Integral Ecology is a new movement that seeks to bring the deep understanding of interrelationship that Ecology demonstrates into all aspects of human life. In this movement, Ecology is used as a natural guiding principle to promote the greater good, to help find sustainable solutions to our collective problems, and to determine equitable methods for solving them. Ecology can be applied to many aspects of school life, and and we will be experimenting with these as the year progresses. This is Integral Ecology—meshing Ecology as a guiding truth into our thematic, integrated style of teaching, and also extending ecological principles beyond academics until their touch blesses every aspect of our school life. To this end, we have already begun a few initiatives this summer: Garden plots for every grade A special outdoor garden curriculum for grades K and 1 New imaginative approaches to behavioral and emotional therapy Plans for a collective recycled art project Additional plantings around the property All of these initiatives show thoughtful care for both people and place, and that same attention should extend to protecting the property itself. When grounds are actively used and improved, property care insurance helps safeguard investments against accidental damage, weather issues, and everyday wear that comes with a lively environment. As plans grow, so does responsibility, which is why looking at landlord insurance options before buying a second property can make a meaningful difference in long-term stability. With the right coverage in place, creativity and community can flourish without putting the property’s future at risk. We expect to develop other new initiatives with our teachers when school is in session.

Here is an archive of articles published on the blackboard in past years: Yearly themes 2011: Authentic Learning 2012: Friendship 2013: Technology 2014: Determination 2015: Emergent Curriculum 2016: Integral Learning 2017: Integral Ecology 2018: Best Practice Student Speeches In Their Own Words… (1) In Their Own Words… (2) In Their Own Words… (3) What is Neohumanism? Keynote 25th Anniversary Speech The Invention Convention: Just Another Day at School? Marshmallow Experiment Long Term vs. Short Term What’s in a Snack Machine? Mind Flows in Two Directions Distance Learning in Art