My 11 year old (5th grade) son started Embark about a month and a half ago. Last night, for the first time in 2 years, on his own, he picked up a pen and a notebook and wrote something. This is after massive amounts of stress around writing and spelling stemming from well-intentioned support from an occupational therapist and teachers … Read More
Learning and Practicing Non-Violent Communication at Embark
At Embark Center for Self-Directed Education, one of our methods of conflict resolution is Nonviolent Communication. NVC is a multistep process focusing on observations, feelings, needs, and requests. We approach conflict resolution with curiosity, not blame or judgment, and we work to create space for deep listening, compassion, and choice. Feelings are communications, specifically leading us to reflect on our … Read More
Saving My Son
3 years ago I made the decision to save my son. My son was diagnosed with ADD/ADHD at age 5, he was then diagnosed with Autism at age 10. We had worked withthe public school system, to no avail on behavior goals. His ability to work at or above grade level, but not at the pace of the classes, proved … Read More
Corona Gap Year
With all of the uncertainty, angst, frustration, and fear facing students this fall, I would like to propose a radical solution: take a corona gap year. I know; it sounds crazy, but bear with me. It’s not as far out there as you think. If you (or your child) are between the ages of four and thirteen this post is … Read More
New to Self-Directed Education?
Here are some resources! We know not everyone is familiar with the concepts and philosophies that form the foundation for this type of education. Here are some resources about self-directed learning to help you get started on the journey! You can also check out our guiding principles on our website! YouTube Videos: Sir Ken Robinson: Changing Education Paradigms Ken Danford: … Read More
Virtual Embark: Self-Directed Learning during a Global Pandemic
We are happy to report that despite COVID-19, Embark Center for Self-Directed Education is still up and running. We have been able to adapt many of our classes for elearning, continue mentor meetings and tutoring, and create community through a private social media app. We also have been pleasantly surprised that online learning has offered new opportunities to us that … Read More
Welcome to the Wild Wonderful World of Homeschooling!
Hello families with kids home from school! Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of homeschooling! With over ten years of experience homeschooling my two kids, two years working at Embark Center for Self-Directed Education, and over twenty teaching privately and part time in public school, here are some tips and ideas to keep you and your child (at least … Read More
Self-directed Education; It’s Not Just for Them
I grew up a military brat moving every two years from continent to continent. By the age of eleven my mother had sailed around the world; twice. We were a family comfortable with travel. I grew up reading and re-reading copies of National Geographic Magazine. In my childhood journal were lists of all the far off places I wanted to … Read More
A Secret Club
Hey, it’s Grace. I am a member of Embark and I’m going to give you a little bit of a view. I went to public school up until ninth grade and then switched to a private school for a bit. So I got a view on private and public school. Public school was never a great fit for me and … Read More
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