WHAT DO YOU WANT?
There is a much more important question: What do you want?
I often forget to consider the desire in their hearts. When I focus merely on the external
Socratic Method
HOW CAN A PARENT KEEP THE SPARK OF CURIOSITY ALIVE?
I hope you feel the sparks of curiosity getting stoked each time you have the opportunity to ask:
I hope you feel the sparks of curiosity getting stoked each time you have the opportunity to ask:
HAVE YOU TRIED THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AT HOME?
The value of our Socratic discussions is revered at Acton Academy. It is the reason we don’t allow late-comers to join in the conversation – a damaging interruption to the flow of listening and thinking.
YOU ARE A PARENT, NOT A SOCRATIC GUIDE
I am not one to give advice on parenting. I make too many mistakes.
I am one to share the beauty of knowing when – as a parent – to summon our Socratic selves.
DO YOU TRUST THE CHILDREN?
This trust is the glue that holds our entire program together. It is more important than great books, Khan Academy, well-designed projects or a new campus. It is transformational and lasts a lifetime.
DREAMING UP THE PERFECT SOCRATIC GUIDE
Let’s say you are to dream up a list of qualifications for people you would choose to guide your children to discover their greatest gifts and master 21st century skills.
BREWING UP A SOCRATIC SUMMER
The true purpose of a Socratic discussion is to come to new or deeper understandings of oneself, others and the world through an authentic wrestling with thoughts, information and ideas. And the real adventure is that you have no idea where you will end up.
ASKING GREAT QUESTIONS YOUR CHILD WILL LOVE TO ANSWER
Once the questions are asked, the next skill is to listen openly without an agenda and without judgment. This can be extremely challenging but it is where the fun really begins. I hope you’ll share your tips and stories, too.
CONSCIOUS LISTENING
Each week the guides at Acton are focusing on one Socratic skill. Last week we focused on “being concise.” This week we chose “listening openly.”
