Education for Life Methods
The Curriculum
 

Our Earth / Our Universe

Our Earth / Our Universe encourages expansion in relation to the physical world.  It fosters a vision of the orderliness of the universe, an appreciation for the ecological balance of all life, and a sense of awe before the universal mysteries.  It invites students to relate harmoniously to the world around them, feel a part of everything, and recognize their place in the universe. 

Subjects in this category include physical and biological sciences, and natural history.

Self-Expression and Communication

Self-expression and Communication encourages expansion by developing clarity of mind and expressing creativity.  The emphasis is on expressing creatively in the highest way possible for each student.

Subjects in this category include reading, writing, speaking, and expressing oneself through arts. Math is in this category because it develops clarity in thinking.

Personal Development

Personal Development encourages expansion in the three areas of physical, mental, and spiritual growth.  Students move toward reaching their highest potential in each area.

Activities include yoga, meditation, physical education, and in the early grades, subjects such as handwriting and reading.

Cooperation

Cooperation encourages expansion through harmonious relations with others.  Students are given opportunities to practice the attitudes and skills that are important in order to experience harmony with others—for example, mental flexibility, willingness to compromise, and respect.

Activities in this category include drama productions, cooking, and service projects.

Understanding People

Understanding People encourages expansion through learning about the experiences and perspectives of others.  It focuses on learning about what human beings everywhere want most deeply from life.  Students are given the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of others through the study of people, places, and events and to apply this understanding to their own lives.

Subjects include geography, history, and other languages and cultures.

 

Wholeness

Wholeness encourages expansion through the whole being.  Wholeness gives cohesion to the entire system. 

Subjects and activities in this category include the study of religion, literature, and appreciation of the arts.