Oak Meadow supports a “Child-Centered” education, but many people confuse this with a “Child-Led” education.
What is the difference?
In a “Child-Centered” education, it is important to consider the learning style and particular interests of the child. “Child-Led” education, on the other hand, does not necessarily offer a structure or opportunities but instead
waits for the child to ask or initiate. The problem with this is that there are so many opportunities that the child does not even know about or cannot imagine. Because the adult is more aware, more mature, and hopefully more focused than a child, it is up to the adult to provide a suitable structure within which the child can learn in an enjoyable manner suited to the needs and temperament of the child.