Classical Principle 6: Embodied Learning (Learn Through Your Senses)

Classical Principle 5 is Embodied Learning. That is, we learn by many things, not just curriculum.

Education isn't only a rational process.

Don't think of education as only information. Because education should also be the formation of the soul, mind, and character of the student. 

And we are educated as much by our five senses (perhaps more) as we are by what we learn in our curriculum. Even our environment and our relationships with those around us shape us a lot more than we realize. We are more emotional than we think and often make decisions from what we're feeling. And that is a way we are educated also.

As we recognize how we are educated, we need to pay attention to what our students are learning through their five senses. Dr. Perrin gives the example of a classroom. Is it a relaxing environment to learn in or are they learning under fluorescent lights with unhelpful, gaudy educational aids on the walls?

We can see our children's influences by watching what they do.

What do they gravitate towards in their spare time? Many are hooked on video games, Youtube, music, sports, and so on. As educators, we need to understand they're being educated in those spheres too. But, are they being educated by the right material?

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