Shannonrwhiteside

Welcome

About Me

My name is Shannon Whiteside. I am the Program Director for the Alveary, a Charlotte Mason curriculum for homes, co-ops and schools. I have been home schooling for over 10 years and have been researching educational philosophies and methods for over 20 years. I am a former classroom teacher and have a PhD in Education. I am especially intrigued by alternative methods that challenge the status quo of traditional methods of education. I have found the most inspiration from the writings of Charlotte Mason, an English educationalist from the early 20th century. I love taking hikes, searching for old books in used book shops and reading aloud with my children.

My Passion

Do you need inspiration for your home schooling? Are there too many decisions to make about education methods, curricula and which books to read? I can help you navigate these questions by bringing you current educational research as well as voices from both the past and present that offer valuable insight into the way that children learn. Come join me on my blog and videos as we re-imagine an education for our children that can be more meaningful and fulfilling.

My Videos

8. What is the best age to start formal academics?

In this video I talk about our culture's obsession to push kids into academics at an early age. I give three reasons based on research and experience why rushing children into reading and writing is not beneficial for them. Children need time to play, explore, and just be kids.

7. How can children learn through stories?

In this video I talk about using literary books throughout the curriculum instead of textbooks, worksheets and tests. I discuss how books affect the hearts, minds and moral imagination of children and make their learning memorable and engaging.

6. How is imagination important in the learning process?

In this video I talk about the way imagination is a powerful learning tool and how it can be used in our homeschooling. I list three areas where we can help to strengthen our children's imagination so they can develop a perspective of life that extends beyond themselves.

5. How is a child's mind like an octopus?

In this video I tell you the metaphor I like best to describe a child 's mind. I believe it captures the nature of the learner and the role of a teacher. When we keep this metaphor in mind, we will be reminded why a wide curriculum full of many subjects is vital to a child's education.

4. What metaphor would you use to describe a child and the learning process?

In this video, I talk about 3 common metaphors that people use to describe children and how these metaphors fall short of capturing the essence of a child. I also talk about the way that metaphors are more than poetic language and can actually affect our thinking and practices.

3. What is your hidden curriculum?

What do your children believe about themselves as learners and their role in their education? It is important for students to have a sense of agency in the learning process.

2. What lens are you looking through?

I will discuss three ways that your beliefs about education are like a lens through which you interpret information and ideas about learning.

1. Is your homeschool built on a solid foundation?

In this video, I talk about the importance of having a philosophy of education that provides the foundation for the rest of your homeschooling practices. What do you believe about the nature of the learner, the role of the teacher and the meaning of knowledge? You don't want to have cracks in your foundation!

Encouragement for your home school journey