Why did we choose the motto “The World is Your Classroom”? What does that really mean? The phrase actually has several meanings to us. In its simplest form “the world is your classroom” means that every encounter is a learning opportunity. It suggests “hands on learning” or “learning by doing”. For example:
• Teens can learn economics at the shopping mall.
• A science lesson can take place in the kitchen.
• Teens can learn political science at their state capital.
• A social studies lesson can take place on a road trip across the country.
• Teens can receive a history lesson at the local senior citizen center.
• A foreign language lesson can be held in a foreign country.
We now live in a global society. Technological advances have made the world a smaller more diverse place. Through the use of the internet teens can get a glimpse into the lives of other teens in countries an ocean away. Academic, cognitive, emotional, and social development will never fit into a “one size fits all” approach.
We think all learning should be fun and know that youth learn better when they are interested in a subject. Parents, teachers, and youth serving organizations can borrow from the philosophy of the home school community and allow learning to be self-directed and experimental.
“The World is Your Classroom” also has a second meaning here at The Teen Toolbox. Our motto encourages teen to live a life without limits and boundaries. We want teens to reach farther and grow into their potential. The Teen Toolbox encourages individuality and learning and development based on the goals, skills, and interests of teens.
Here at The Teen Toolbox we want our teens to have access to the resources and human capital that feeds curiosity, promotes critical thinking, and encourages independence. “The World Is Your Classroom” means that teens are free to create their own paths and definitions of success. When we give teens permission to dream, explore new opportunities, and think outside the box, they live a life without constraints and the world truly is their classroom.