When SelfDesign learners and their families, and educators gathered in the Lower Mainland last spring for our Commencement Ceremony celebrating our Class of 2022, they were treated to a performance by one of their peers. At the ceremony, Amelia, who finished her SelfDesign learning journey in June with a Dogwood Diploma (B.C. certificate of graduation), sang a haunting traditional Celtic [...]
Verena Gibbs joined the SelfDesign® Learning Foundation Board of Directors in 2017 because she thought it would be a good way to support an organization that had given her so much earlier in her career. “I’m very grateful to have worked with Brent Cameron, River Meyer, Kathleen Forsythe and Michael Maser while at Wondertree and SelfDesign between 2002 and 2009. [...]
At SelfDesign, each learner contributes to a portfolio that showcases and celebrates their own learning and achievements throughout the year. “I like to call it the pot of gold at the end of each semester,” says Educational Program team lead Janice Green. “We introduce the process in the fall, and learners add to it throughout the semester. At the end [...]
Learning at home can be liberating and fun. The ability to assess your kids’ unique strengths, learning styles and interests—and roll with them to maximize their learning potential—is a special opportunity! Along with the ability to spend more time with your kids, your family is afforded the freedom to travel, practice religious beliefs and observe holidays not recognized by the [...]
SelfDesign learner Grace wasn’t looking forward to writing the three grade 10 and 12 provincial assessments she needed in order to get her Dogwood Diploma (B.C. Graduation Certificate). Every young person in B.C. seeking to finish grade 12 with a Dogwood Diploma is required to write the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment, Grade 10 Literacy [...]
SelfDesign learners have a good track record for receiving the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care’s School District/Authority Scholarships. In 2022, three of our commencing grade 12 learners won four of the $1,250 scholarships, which can be used to pay for tuition at any recognized college, university or trade school. In 2021, seven learners received the scholarships. These young [...]
Nikki is leaving SelfDesign! OVer the past 15 years, she has been a SelfDesign parent, learning consultant, former chief learning officer, principal and vice principal. We spoke to Nikki about her SelfDesign experiences and the changes she has seen unfold and been part of at SelfDesign.
Next September, Grace will leave the small farming community where she grew up in the west Kootenays to begin the four-year Bachelor of Arts theatre program at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where she’ll specialize in historical costume design.
We recognize that parents and guardians know their child’s needs best and may have clear ideas as to the types of learning activities that would facilitate their growth and development. A number of SelfDesign parents and guardians share their insights about how they view and approach their role of supporting their children’s learning.
Imposter syndrome. skepticism and fear of judgement are often the biggest challenges parents face when deciding to homeschool their kids. Lori Bender is one of these parents. She felt insecure in her ability and unsure of what her children were supposed to be learning for their age groups. It caused her to question whether home learning would be the right decision for her family. Luckily, her friend with an older son had taken the leap, giving Lori the opportunity to observe and ask questions before making her final decision. She dove into homeschooling shortly after, and years later, she’s still overjoyed with her choice.