Global Ecovillage Network/Solution Library/Community schooling

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Education in rural Jamaica has been a challenge for decades. Most of the challenges derive from lack of infrastructure, properly trained instructors and a lack of vision from the leadership. The Jamaican education system primarily emphasizes rote memory learning and training for specific jobs rather than developing children’s brains for mastery of their environment.

The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.

— Maria Montessori

The Source Farm’s Nature School approach to education is to create a community school where the students can learn about their environment in a participatory way, as opposed to the chalk-and-talk style of conventional education. Nature School students spend a large amount of time outside of the classroom, learning from the natural world around them. We use a Montessori style of learning, which allows children to develop their critical thinking skills and to develop a relationship with the environment around them. Children will then use these same skills to navigate the world.

• Lifelong Education.

• Mindfulness & Self Reflection.

• http://www.montessori.edu/