FAQ

So, what is this Joyful Learning thing, anyway?

Joy captures the thrill of true learning – the curiosity, the passion, the collaboration, the connection, the effort, the fun, the pride, the sharing. Joyful learning speaks to both the learning process, where there is considerable evidence that a focus on techniques that we would describe as joyful are far more effective, and to an outcome that we believe should be valued highly: Joy. 

Our current short definition of joyful learning is, "Engaging, empowering, and playful learning of meaningful content in a loving and supportive community. Through the joyful learning process a student is always improving knowledge of self and the world." 

We recognize, however, that joy is experienced individually and that context matters a great deal. We also recognize that experts in the field might use slightly different descriptors. For example, Tony Wagner might describe it as "passion, play, and purpose" while Martin Seligman might focus on "meaningful engagement." What is more important to us is that we are having the conversation – that we value joy in the learning process and as a life outcome.

“Failure after long perseverance is much grander than never to have a striving good enough to be called a failure.”

-George Eliot

Ok, now I get Joyful Learning, but what is this "Network" thing?

The short answer: A loosely connected network of educators, parents, students, community leaders, and organizations who are supporting each other as they pursue joyful teaching and learning for every student, every day.

We believe in the power of community. Without the efforts of a large number of people and organizations, joyful learning will remain on the sidelines. It takes a network, working and learning together, to make things happen. Teachers sharing creative lesson ideas, parents banding together to bring voluntary arts and p.e. classes to schools, virtual communities working together on opinion pieces for the local newspaper, and organizations building bonds to rally around a common goal.

At its core, the Joyful Learning Network is a movement that embraces the incredible potential of every child — and the incredible potential of the larger community. It mobilizes our positive energy and pushes it to our children through this place we call school, transforming school from the current factory model that specializes in measuring, judging, sorting, and controlling to a place of joyful self and community actualization.

At the Joyful Learning Network we are endeavoring to reposition the concept of learning and spark the curiosity and desire that comes so naturally to children but is smothered by the current educational system. 

Why should I join?

The more robust our network becomes, the more help members have when they face challenges and need support. The larger our network, the more leaders will take notice of the importance of joyful learning. We need a large and diverse network to bring out the creativity in ideas and expand our pool of shared resources. Plus, without you, there is no network.

What does it mean to "JOIN" the JLN?

 At this point, "joining" really just means: 

     1. Subscribing to the JLN newsletter to receive updates on latest happenings.

     2. Committing to implementing a new project or tip or attitude to bring joy to your student/s or child/ren.

     3. Repeat #2. Often.

     4. Share your Joyful Learning experiences with others. 

​Can I donate money to help forward the cause?

Good question! We are currently registered as a nonprofit Public Benefit corporation in California and are a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so any monies donated will be tax deductible to the extent of the relevant tax law.  Someday we're hoping to figure out an easy way for you to donate money to us ... until then, thank you for your social support!