Sunday Snippet: Be A Life Hacker!

Being called a hacker is usually not a positive title, but it does generate some tantalizing intrigue.  Initially hacking referred to breaking into computer code to manipulate it differently than intended, not always with ill intent, but often illicitly. Hacking however, is really an expression of creativity, and with that understanding the word is evolving as its use broadens.  Logan Laplante, a 13 year old boy who has been homeschooled for several years, suggests another view of hacking.  He explains that by not following the traditional path of school based education, he is hacking his education or hackschooling.  And based on his recent TEDx talk, it appears to be a pretty darn effective educational approach!  Click HERE to view his talk, Hackschooling Make Me Happy!

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”.  The question at first seems innoccuous, but really it is quite a loaded inquiry.  Logan Laplante, suggests it is not only an annoying question that many adults ask adolescents, but one that most adolescents don’t answer to the inquisitors liking!  He indicates that adults are seeking answers about prestigious or noble careers -“You adults and your imaginations!”- but kids usually answer with what is interesting and motivating to them at the moment.  This particular insight really nails it when it comes to learning and learning styles!

A good friend of mine and his wife chose to homeschool their two children and it appeared on the surface, that their kids simply did whatever they wanted each particular day.  And thus my initial interpretation was that they weren’t learning much and little was expected of them.  When I mentioned that to my friend, surprisingly he responded unoffended and shared that kids will learn when they are ready to learn.  More specifically, they will dig in and take ownership of their education when that learning becomes interesting and motivating.  Interesting and motivating, hmm…  well, that also can be considered the definition of fun!

Back to Logan and that question about “What to be when you grow up’. Seemingly wise beyond his years, Logan goes on to share that what he really wants to be when he grows up is healthy and happy like he is right now as a kid.  Being ‘interested and motivated’ in this concept, he went on to research about what it would take to be healthy and happy as he becomes older and he discovered that it comes down to practicing the following eight things:

EXERCISE

DIET & NUTRITION

TIME IN NATURE

CONTRIBUTION & SERVICE

RELATIONSHIPS

RECREATION

RELAXATION & STRESS MANAGEMENT

RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL INVOLVEMENT

Unfortunately, what is most striking is how few of these things are currently being addressed or emphasized in many of our traditional schools.  In fact, although many of these things had a more prominent role in tradtional schooling in the past, they have diminished greatly, being replaced by increased testing and evaluation. FORTUNATELY, there is something quite exciting about his findings!  This is precisely what many camps, including WeHaKee Camp for Girls have been doing for years! The camp experience is interesting and motivating (translation – FUN!) and it helps kids become healthy and happy!  

Thanks for reading and have a great week!