Six Connections of the Holistic Curriculum
Holistic or ‘whole child’ education is a philosophy of education that aims to teach all aspects of the child. The cognitive, physical, emotional, and soulful parts of students are given equal regard throughout the day.
“The focus of holistic education is on relationships: the relationship between linear thinking and intuition, the relationship between mind and body, the relationships among various domains of knowledge, the relationship between the individual and community, the relationship to the earth, and the relationship to our souls. In the holistic curriculum the student examines these relationships so that they gain both an awareness of them and the skills necessary to transform the relationships where appropriate.” ― Jack Miller
Earth Connections
Equinox aims to support students in experiencing deep connectedness to the earth, seeing themselves as part of the web of life rather than separate from it. Spending learning time outdoors creates the conditions for moments of awe, as children make discoveries; calm, as children practice deep noticing and breathe fresh air; resilience and self-confidence, as children move their bodies, take risks, and experience the natural elements. Nature-based learning and outdoor education practices are foundational to the Equinox Holistic Curriculum.
Honouring a reciprocal relationship with the land and all those who live on it means we respect and incorporate Indigenous knowledge, learn about local flora and fauna, and work hard to be caretakers of the land as well as being gratefully aware of the ways the land cares for us.
Subject Connections
Integrating subjects creates rich learning opportunities and strong cognitive links. At Equinox, our educators naturally integrate subjects, which are often braided together around broad themes. As an example, in one year-long inquiry, students measured salmon and studied their lifecycle. They painted salmon, and witnessed a salmon run in Humber Bay. Afterwards, they participated in a silent meditative walk, reflecting on gratitude for the salmon and the adventure they shared with them. They invited Roden students to join a “salmon dance” and as a school project, a documentary film was made.
Intuitive Connections
Holistic curriculum attempts “to restore a balance between linear thinking and intuition.” Educators may use metaphor and visualization prompts along with an inquiry-based approach in lessons by posing intentional, open-ended questions that encourage students to be curious and imaginative about the answers, and that create intentional space for spontaneity. This develops intuition, sparks curiosity, and encourages deep, creative, and independent thinking. There is no single “this is what holistic curriculum looks like” because the learning exchanges in holistic education are, by nature, organic, intuitive, emergent, and arise from the specific mix of individuals in a class community.
Many of the mindfulness activities practiced in the school - mindful movement, guided meditations, mindful listening outside - honour non-verbal experiences and also help to develop intuition.