brain are rapidly developing. They will emulate the above-mentioned traits, even if they don’t know how to pronounce these words or understand their dictionary defi nition. Children will learn organically by participating in daily activities such as recycling, composting and gardening. Do not get concerned if formal academic lessons have not been the focus of their day. When a child is gardening, for example, they are indirectly learning about science and math as well as new vocabulary—which is much more fun than sitting down at a table and counting 10 plastic leaves. Put them in front of a computer or television screen at this age and they lose the ability to engage all of their senses simultaneously, which is another reason why they retain less with this form of education. The truth is: young children learn best when they get messy! Let’s continue looking at the gardening example. While they dig in the dirt they can see everything 3-dimensionally; smell the dirt, plants and seeds; touch the dirt and feel the different textures when the dirt is wet or dry, hard or soft; hear the outdoor sounds, including the shovel moving through the dirt or dropping into a bucket; and, yes, sometimes they taste it whether on purpose or by accident! But even then, their little neurons are collecting and storing important data.


Other important considerations for a holistic


education. At the beginning of this article we stated that a holistic education was basically a complete learning system that provides an enlightening experience. Therefore, we need to look at the “whole system.” The actual environment the child is in will have much to do with their personal engagement and learning success. For example, is there loud hyper music playing for 6-8 hours of their waking day or is there a calm, relaxing atmosphere that compliments—rather than competes--with the child’s thoughts? Are the toys and furniture that they are around and play with made from toxic materials such as, PVC, BPA and vinyl, or are there more natural items made from sustainable woods


Young children should be in an environment where they experience peace, love, confi dence, cooperation, freedom, compassion, integrity and respect.


and organic cotton with a limited amount of plastics? Is the lighting harsh fl orescent bulbs, mercury fi lled CFLs, or soft natural lighting or LEDs? Another area to consider when contemplating a holistic education is the child’s diet. The foods they consume should nourish the growing mind and body. A poor diet will interfere with their learning process regardless of the environment. And since we are looking at the whole system, an introduction to various cultures from around the world would complete this learning approach. All of these combined together will provide a safe, healthy and holistic education.


The fi rst step to a holistic education is for adults (parents, teachers, community leaders, etc) to accept that we are all a part of a much bigger “whole.” The children whom we interact with throughout our days will naturally learn this same information, without a formal lesson, and, therefore, will respect other people they meet as well as the planet which we all must share. The old saying used to be, “Leave a better world for our children.” By providing a holistic education those same words get rearranged to say, “Leave better children for the world!” Birgitta Jorgenson is the Founder and Visionary of Irblich Schools, a holistic preschool. The school is expected to open in Winter Springs this coming Fall 2014, pending the completion of construction and receiving the fi nal license from DCF. Visit the school’s website for more information or to be placed on an enrollment waiting list at www.IrblichSchools.com


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