Mamaversity is a network of concerned mothers (I like to call us "momfessors") and community professionals who collaborate by pooling our gifts, talents, skills, and life experiences together to provide academic/life coaching. Our intent is to impart the amazement, desire, joy, and value of life-long learning back into our middle and high school children, motivating them to get actively engaged and inspired in the learning process, with the end result being students who feel empowered and capable. Our expectation is that they will come to see themselves as SCHOLARS, knowing that the learning experience doesn't begin and end with the classroom. All of this is accomplished by focusing on the three pillars that enhance the journey of knowledge: Character, Critical Thinking, and Creativity. 

The idea came to me last summer when I finally got frustrated enough to do something about what I didn't like about the learning experiences our three children were having in middle and high school. Granted, transitioning from primary to secondary education has always been a bit of an adjustment, no matter which generation you're from. However, the kicker for me was how much pressure our kids were noticeably under to perform, perform, perform. When it got to the point that it seemed they were being trained to be more in pursuit of some elusive test score or grade point rather than actually understanding the concepts of their subjects, I knew I had to take a different route.

As for my household, we decided that since we couldn't change the system (at least not overnight), we'd change the way we deal with the system. For instance, there's not a child I know who likes homework. But since each of our children has been involved in the arts, they do embrace the idea of practicing to get better at something they really enjoy, and they've experienced the thrilling sense of accomplishment from doing so. So now, we don't call it homework anymore. We call it practice. That's all homework essentially is anyway - practicing what you've been taught in class. We also don't focus on earning a certain grade. Our new motto is: If you work to get a good understanding, you can't help but good grades.

There's much more to this journey, and I, along with some amazing guest bloggers, will be keeping you in the loop all along the way. But I also invite you to chime in with your ideas, experiences, and even your failed attempts. We can all learn from each other on some level, and that's an education you don't always get inside the classroom.

So come on Mamas! Join the movement to put the LOVE back into LEARNING!