The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility. These three forces are the very nerve of education. - Rudolf Steiner
HEART SHINE EDUCATION
Teaching and Learning from the Heart
Head, Heart, Hands . Creativity . Curiosity . Earth Based . Responsibility
I believe that every learning space should celebrate a child's uniqueness. That each child has a different set of powers that they bring to a community. It is the adults' role to get to know them, make them feel safe and valued, and encourage their individuality to shine bright.
​
Through the Head, Heart, Hands approach all learning styles are represented and supported in the classroom, allowing space for the us to honour the whole child: emotional, creative, and intellectual.
Developing curiosity in children and building on their own passions and interests is the seed of all learning experiences. I understand that creativity comes in many different forms, and we can alchemise it into each lesson to allow more heart-led experiences to take form.
Children innately have a beautiful understanding of the natural world around them, and by introducing earth-based values, we can help to encourage a deeper connection to themselves and a more sustainable future by exploring outdoors.
YOGI ART CENTRE, GOA
In 2016, I moved to India to work in an alternative school based in a beautiful jungle community in Goa. It was one of my most significant life projects and shaped the teacher I am today. In 2018, I became the co-director of the project, and we saw this school grow from 30 kids to 70 kids over the space of 3 years. I helped to write the curriculum for the school, which was based on theories such as Steiner, Montessori, and forest schooling.
To find out more about this venture, read my education story below and watch this video for a taster of the the magic.
​
I dream of re-creating this space again somewhere green. Watch this space.
OFFERINGS
“Iola has a special way with children. I could believe how deeply they trusted her after such short time."
Terri Cohen
My Experience
My journey into this field must start with my own education experience, which was not an easy ride. I was the kid who missed school a lot and was always late, and it didn’t help that I was dyslexic. Having alternative, artistic parents who prioritised fun and freedom over schoolwork meant that life was great outside of school, but many missed homework resulted in endless catching up in class. I felt very much like I was a nuisance to many of my teachers.
​
So it is no surprise that I found myself in a career supporting children in areas not met in my education. I navigated my way through the primary system, from state to more alternative models and now find myself dipping between the two. I have experience and training in both state and alternative projects and strongly believe in creating alternative education programmes that balance child-led and adult-led learning experiences. ​