Have you learned about the latest project that “mini me” and I planned as part of expanding Millennial Mom from a blog to much more? Maybe you received our email newsletter yesterday and are coming here to learn more details; or you got an update that I published something new here on Millennial Mom and came to see what’s up. So, let’s get straight to business.
I have been blogging here on Millennial Mom for over two years now and have always known that I wanted MM to be much more than a blog. I wanted to somehow create opportunities for interaction with other moms and their children; new opportunities for families to experience some of the amazing things that my family has. So I have been thinking for sometime about where to start. I initially created a support group via Facebook in 2017 called Millennial Moms United but found it to be like pulling teeth getting moms to interact. I’ll one day continue building that support group but for now, I hope to build a network with like-minded mothers through my blog itself. Recently, I started debating whether or not to return to the working world after experiencing some financial setbacks. If I do, it will be one additional thing to juggle along with homeschooling Bree, maintaining my remote position, building my private practice, and simply finding time for my little family. I mentioned my thoughts to “mini me” and she commented “sometimes you have to think a little more mom”. She has always been against me working away from home and expressed her thoughts so eloquently in our recent conversation. She told me that she is “not interested in going back to old times” and “would rather us plan how to be more successful doing something we love and are good at”. I could not agree with her more! So we started brainstorming last Monday. We decided not to start something that would consume more time than what we currently have, and instead agreed to continue something that we are already doing. The change we made simply added marketing what we already do, to other moms and children for them to enjoy. We spent several days exchanging ideas, creating plans, and drafting documents. What we have come up with is truly special to me because of this project’s purpose and benefit. Having the chance to collaborate with my daughter is even more special to me. The brief planning process really showed me Bree’s skills and knowledge base. She reminded me that I too can learn from her.
So, our newest baby is called “Join B.L.T.“. With this project, I am offering students grades K-5 the opportunity to join Bree Learning with me, Tea as we Homeschool and Worldschool. SB: You may or may not know that my first name is Tanisha. So where does “Tea” come from you ask? Well, “Tea” is not only a reference to my nickname that is typically spelled T. But it also describes my desired approach to learning which encompasses relaxation, peace, pleasure, contentment, change, spiritual connection, and enlightenment. All of these things are what Tea actually signifies and they are in accord with our daily learning routine. We regularly start off our day with homemade ginger chai tea or black tea, followed by a meditation session for this reason. (We were recently gifted black tea infused with rose that I am unsure whether to brew or use as potpourri, but cant wait to try it). Now we hope to share our practices and love for natural and meaningful learning with someone new. “Join B.L.T.” will be offered in the U.S. in our home base areas (NYC and upstate NY) and wherever we travel starting this spring. We will launch this project internationally (offering families the opportunity to travel with us) starting in the Fall of 2019!
Here’s how Joining B.L.T. works:
First, a parent/student selects one of the following subjects to study during a learning session with me and Bree:
- Math
- Science
- Writing
- Reading
- Social Studies
- Music
- Art
- Physical education
Then, they select a date and time to join us. We will offer virtual learning sessions (via Skype, Facetime, and Whats App) to anyone interested in this opportunity, but who is outside of our area. Learning sessions are one hour each. Participants can learn with us for an hour or two, or three! We commit to learning Monday to Sunday, 365 days a year, at all hours that we are awake! We will offer this opportunity Monday to Sunday between the hours of 8am and 4pm.
The fee for one in-person basic learning session (no travel/field trip/guest teacher) is $40 which includes a healthy meal/snack (parents will be required to provide information regarding their child’s(ren’s) dietary restrictions and allergies). Virtual sessions are $30. We learn greatly through travel and field trips and will extend this opportunity to guest learners as well. Pricing for learning sessions on such days will vary.
*** As a special offer, the first 10 guest learners to join us will be able to learn with us for 2 hours, in two different subject areas, for $40.
And those are the details of our latest project!
I share this post with you partially for Bree and I to begin finding new guest learners to join us. We are super excited for our first registrant and have prepared such a fun curriculum that we will use. More importantly, I’m sharing our efforts to show how life often times requires us to get creative and follow our own paths; not what was outlined for us by societal standards and expectations. Does this mean that I will not return to the work world as Bree has begged and pleaded for me not to do? At present I cannot say but I am open to doing so to get back on track financially and until my dream for Millennial Mom flourishes to where I want it to be. If you read my previous post, you’ll understand my latest commitment to changing things in my life that are uncomfortable. My focus is on self-improvement, improving relationships, and improving my business. “Join B.L.T.” is just one way that I am making a change in my life. Sound like something you’re interested in for your child(ren)? You can signup here. Have questions? Read some FAQ below.
FAQ
Q: What is the purpose of this project?
A: To expose traditionally schooled children to alternative methods of learning; to provide my home-schooled child and others more social interaction; to aid parents who may need a break, want to fill in their child’s schedule with a new activity, or have a child who is struggling or lacking stimulation in a particular subject.
Q: What types of activities will guest learners be engaged in?
A: yoga, meditation, dance, cooking, horticulture, real life math, social muralism and painting, henna design, hiking, photography, fishing, cultural projects, and much much more.
Q: Who decides what guest learners study?
A: The guest learner in collaboration with myself and their parents as guides
Q: Where will in-person activities be hosted?
A: Location of activities will vary and we will provide a schedule of where we will be based monthly. If we are in your area, we can come to your home or meet at a meetup location which includes parks, markets, libraries, museums, etc.
Q: Do parents need to stay with their child for the duration of a learning session?
A: Yes, until both the parent and guest learner are comfortable in the relationship
Q: Are you a certified teacher?
A: No, I am a homeschooling parent and therapist by profession. I follow all guidelines outlined by New York State to homeschool my child and offer this opportunity as supplemental education not intended to replace other accepted methods of education.
Have further questions? Feel free to comment below or email me at tanishagray20@gmail.com
Millennial Mom 