Before answering the above question, let’s address another one. What is the purpose of education in general? No one would argue that every school has a responsibility to provide a solid academic program for their students, but is this enough? Getting good grades in school will not guarantee that your child will experience success and fulfillment in their adult life. As a matter of fact, many bright teenagers are dropping out of school. Why?

According to Stats Canada children drop out of school for two reasons—they are bored or they have low levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. Wholistic education addresses both of these issues by going beyond academics and focusing on the ‘whole’ child—mind, body, spirit and emotions.   

In a wholistic learning environment, there is an emphasis on developing social skills and learning how to express feelings and communicate effectively. In addition, children experience meaningful connections to what they are learning rather than simply learning facts.  When children research a topic of personal interest they are much more enthusiastic and engaged in the learning process and tend to retain more of the information they gather. Children learn at their own pace and experience success without boredom, leading to higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence. 

Here are 7 Questions you can ask yourself to determine whether or not a Wholistic Education is right for Your child?

1. Is it important to me that my child’s learning style is identified and that the school gears the curriculum and teaching approach to his/her style?
   
   

2. Is it important to me that my child can proceed at a pace that is comfortable for him/her, allowing self-confidence and high self-esteem to develop naturally?
   
   

3. Do I want my child to have a say in evaluating his/her own performance?
   
   

4. Do I want my child to be treated with respect and kindness by everyone in the school?
   
   

5. Is it important to me that my child learns to communicate with other people in a way that promotes harmony and respect, and that my child learns to deal with conflict in a healthy and confident way?
   
   

6. Is it important to me that my child learns to think independently?
   
   

7. Is it important to me that my child develops as a whole person and not just an “exam passing machine”?
   

In a nutshell, a wholistic learning environment empowers children to reach their educational and personal potential while nurturing their self-confidence and self-esteem. Students are valued for who they are – individuals with unique learning styles – and therefore, develop at their own pace in a stress-free, loving environment. While receiving a solid academic foundation, students gain an enthusiasm for learning that will continue to grow throughout their lives.

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About The Author:

Marisa Ferrera has been an educator for 30 years and is the founder and director of Discovery Private School, a wholistic school that was operating in Toronto for the past 6 years.