Alithia Learning

Alithia Learning Alithia Learning is an alternative way to the current schooling system, putting parents and children in the drivers seat.

Alithia Learning is a not-for-profit charity that provides a space for re-imagining and re-examining learning; we are working with children and experts to pilot a new approach to education. Our foundation begins with a 21st century understanding of child development and communication techniques. Our specialised communication tools create an ideal trusting and nurturing environment where children c

an flourish academically, socially and emotionally. We offer tools that help grow compassionate, creative thinkers who have a life-long love of learning and self-understanding. Our Learning Facility is set to launch January 2019 and will work as a communal space for children to come together for collaborative projects, hands-on activities and workshops. This is a democratic environment in which children help to create the space and are encouraged to instigate projects. We have an interest in the educational value of play, the importance of mixed-age groups, learning that is based largely outdoors in nature, problem-solving and a connection to culture (looking at learning from the perspective of our first people). Our holistic approach supports families to raise children as confident, competent, caring individuals, who have a sense of belonging in their community and the world. The Learning Facility also works as physical support network in response to the rise in home education. Families are welcome to work alongside their children when they wish.

22/08/2023
27/04/2023

What a great teacher!

05/03/2023

Monopoly wasn't invented by the Parker Brothers, nor the man they gave it credit for. In 1904, Monopoly was originally called The Landlord's Game, and was invented by a radical woman. Elizabeth Magie's original game had not one, but two sets of rules to choose from.
One was called "Prosperity", where every player won money anytime another gained a property. And the game was won by everyone playing only when the person with the least doubled their resources. A game of collaboration and social good.
The second set of rules was called "Monopoly", where players succeeded by taking properties and rent from those with less luck rolling the dice. The winner was the person who used their power to eliminate everyone else.
Magie's mission was to teach us how different we feel when playing Prosperity vs Monopoly, hoping that it would one day change national policies.
When the Parker Bros adopted the game, they erased Magie, they erased the "Prosperity" rules and celebrated "Monopoly". This is why very few games of Monopoly end in better friendships! Some even end friendships! What they couldn't erase was Magie's lesson.

17/02/2023
23/11/2022

What a great perspective shift to teach your kids! 🥰

16/11/2022
07/11/2022

04/11/2022

Food for thought.

18/09/2022
17/08/2022

UPDATE: You can download a free PDF of this post here: https://rebeccasparrow.com/free-resources/

*****

Ask me anything.

That's what I say every month to the 12-14 year olds in our Bluestockings Society online book club. We read a different book every month and they also do cooking, a bit of yoga or meditation and I do an Ask Me Anything with them on Zoom once a month. (Find more info here on the Bluestockings https://rebelreaders.com.au/bluestockings/ )

The questions are pretty much always about friendship.

🔹 My best friend from primary school has gone off with a new girl and now I'm alone.

🔹 My two best friends keep teasing me calling me skinny and making fun of the fact I haven't got my period yet.

🔹 This one girl in my friendship group keeps slapping me. How do I tell her to stop?

🔹I hang out in a group of three but the other two girls keep ganging up on me.

🔹 A new girl has joined our group and she's a bit annoying and show-offy. We don't want to be mean but how do we ask her to stop hanging with us?

It's interesting. I get that last question quite a lot. Some form of "this new person has joined our group and we don't want them there ..."

Not so long ago a parent emailed me asking for advice about her daughter who was struggling having a new person joining their group. This new girl wasn't causing trouble, it was more that she was quiet and a bit boring and didn't share any of their interests.

Here's what I wrote back ....

*****

I just want to acknowledge how hard this is. It's really really hard. But here's the thing ... there will come a time in your daughter's life when she is the person who is looking for a safe harbour. It might not be when she's at school. It might be at an out of school club. At university. A job. As a school mum. But a time will come when she is just trying to find a place to sit. Those moments - which happen to all of us at some point - are excruciating and painful and lonely.

If the toughest thing that your daughter goes through during her schooling years is having a girl she doesn't gel with sit with her group -- then she's pretty much won high school in my books. I understand she wants to be with her friends and share those in-jokes and private conversations ... I get it. I really do. And I don't want to dismiss your daughter's feelings of discomfort. But can she remember a time when she felt alone and needed somewhere to sit?

I think it's actually a tiny sacrifice to include this girl who - trust me - KNOWS she doesn't fit in or belong.

Make space. We want to teach our kids to sit in horseshoes not circles - as Glennon Doyle says. We want the fallback position to always be -- we have room for one more. And we will include you with good grace rather than through gritted teeth.

Trust me -- I know how hard that can feel at 13 or 14 or 15.

My guess is that this will be a short term thing. This girl will hang out with your daughter's group until she eventually finds a place that is her natural fit. Until then, try to welcome her. And focus on what positive qualities she brings with her rather than zooming in on how she doesn't fit.

High school is the long game. And the power of kindness must never be underestimated.

Address

Valla, NSW
2448

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 3pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+61466586089

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