Episode 27: What is Strewing? Peeling Back the Layers of Intention, Connection and Practice

Have you heard of strewing? Is it something you actively do? We really enjoyed having Kendel from @spark.to.flame.homelearning join us for a conversation about the more nuanced aspects of strewing. There was a lot more to discuss than we first imagined. We’d love if you’d have a listen! We Discuss:Keeping track of the things we’ve shared with our kids as a way of seeing the fullness of what’s happening in our lives Strewing as active, thoughtful and intentional but without attached expectations Strewing as scattering seeds and fertilizing ground – enriching the environment How terms and words can feel like they come with a set of rules Spontaneous strewing Inviting our kids into our interests as wellHow strewing can offer comfort and practicality if parents are newer to homeschooling or not using a curriculumThat strewing is both simple and complex Strewing as a fun, enjoyable practice How all parents living in connection with their kids are likely doing some form of strewing without necessarily having a name for itDigitally documenting the things we share and strew and do Strewing as something that can be shared with family just even as a way to show what we’ve been up to Strewing as connected to our children’s love languages Sharing ideas with people of all ages as a form of strewing Strewing for the purpose of connecting and sharing rather than for a learning goal Differentiating between the delight-directed learning of curating around a child’s interest to cover certain subjects versus authentically offering something with no strings attachedHow some things might be seen as objectively educational or academicSneaky or stealth learning – manipulation versus autonomy of choiceWhether there’s such a thing as a strewing “fail” and if so, how we might define that How there can be room to share our thoughts without manipulating the situation and turning things into a lesson or our own agenda Being connected and observant as a way of knowing when we might be pushing our kids beyond what they’re comfortable with That it’s helpful to remember that the world has so many opportunities rather than coming at things from a scarcity mindset Trust in us as having a lot to do with how kids feel about what we offer Not feeling absolute or time-limited about what we offer – something may be enjoyed at another time The vast difference in children’s responses and warm-up time – a “maybe” can mean completely different things from different children Creating a safe and welcoming environment for kids to join things if they are self-conscious or apprehensive – the line between being strategically supportive and manipulativeWhole family strewing Modeling being a curious person Sensory strewing! Expanding our ideas of what’s importantThat diving into a child’s interest too intensely can actually hamper it or at least hamper their willingness to share Being upfront about the time commitment and intensity of what we’re offering if it’s a bigger thing – a volunteer job or theatre opportunity, sports team and noticing when it’s something we’d like them to do because it would feel good to us What kids’ interpretation of an activity or commitment is Supporting our kids’ developing sense of self and consent Low cost strewing ideas (so many interesting things came up!)Accepting and leaning into ideas from extended family, friends and neighboursResources:Strewing: Definition and Suggestions – Sandra Dodd The Gardener and the Carpenter – Alison Gopnick What to Do When Strewing is Rejected- Stories of an Unschooling Family When Our Help and Strewing Are Rejected – Stories of an Unschooling FamilyThe Big Fib Podcast Love Languages for Children – Dr. Gary Chapman Episode 15: Homeschooling Community-Finding, Sustaining and How it Evolves – Everlearning