Reflections on The Anxious Generation: A Lorien Wood Parent's Perspective
August 15, 2024
Each year, parents at Lorien Wood are invited to embrace lifelong learning by participating in a summer reading book alongside our faculty. This year, we delved into Jonathan Haidt’s latest book, The Anxious Generation.
As a long-time Lorien Wood parent, I found Haidt's book both encouraging and challenging. I was uplifted to see that many of Haidt's recommendations align with practices Lorien Wood has embraced since our inception 20 years ago. Our family was drawn to Lorien Wood not only for its rigorous academics, like teaching Latin and cursive writing, but also for its emphasis on play. From the beginning, Lorien Wood has prioritized unstructured recess as essential to learning, fostering creative, imaginative, and relational play—just as Haidt recommends. There were even times when beloved kickball games were set aside to allow for more student-directed, less-structured play.
Lorien Wood has also always allowed students to take risks—another essential aspect of childhood development highlighted by Haidt. Playing with sticks and climbing high into trees has been part of my children’s experience since day one. As the school’s outdoor learning program grew, “loose parts” found on our beautiful property became integral to nurturing creativity and innovation (page 258).
Additionally, Lorien Wood’s intentional limitations on technology and phone-free school days are key components of its educational philosophy. Haidt strongly argues that the constant pull of the virtual world diminishes real community and belonging, while increasing anxiety. I am deeply grateful that my children have been able to learn in an environment that fosters real connections and minimizes the distractions and stress of the virtual world.
Reading The Anxious Generation reassured me that by sending my children to Lorien Wood, I was already taking one of the best steps to counteract the mental health crisis and educational development delays affecting this generation.
However, I was also challenged by how much more we, as parents, can do. First, as it becomes increasingly difficult to enforce screen limits—due to more devices, more of my kids’ friends having devices at younger ages, and the temptation to allow screens as life gets busier—The Anxious Generation reinforced the importance of standing firm. The benefits of limiting screen time are even greater than I realized. As parents, we can support each other in setting expectations among our kids' peer groups, agreeing to keep screens out of playdates, and delaying smartphones until high school. So far, we’ve had some success in limiting social media well into the late teen years, but I’ve already encountered parents of my 10-year-old’s friends outside of Lorien Wood who plan to give their kids smartphones as early as 12—much younger than Haidt recommends.
Second, I realized I needed to encourage boldness in my more risk-averse children. Some of my kids naturally take more risks, while others do not. While I’ve allowed risk-taking when asked, I haven’t been proactive in encouraging it. This summer, after some coaxing, I got my 10-year-old to ride his bike around the neighborhood and to his friend’s house by himself (and without a way for me to contact him directly).
Third, I was challenged to facilitate more free play and create “playborhoods” (page 274) for my younger kids. I want their default activity to be playing outside with friends rather than asking for screen time.
Finally, I was challenged to rely more on my teens at home for the functioning of our household. This won’t be easy, but I want to instill a stronger work ethic and greater thoughtfulness in my teens.
There are many things parents can do to help the Anxious Generation. Sending (or continuing to send) your children to Lorien Wood is one of the best ways to help them thrive. Even those of us already committed to this path can enhance our efforts by coming together to limit the negative effects of technology and encourage playfulness in our children's lives, further supporting the work of Lorien Wood.
Our Great Adventure
July 16, 2024
Like many grandparents, we received a call one day from our son, Marcus. He had an interesting suggestion: wouldn't it be nice if we moved from Iowa to Northern Virginia to be closer to our family in Vienna? How thoughtful! How tempting! Then, doubts set in. Isn’t it more expensive in Virginia than in Iowa? How far is that again? We’ve lived here sixty-eight years and have deep roots. Will we find a good church? Nonetheless, we took that leap of faith (no pain, no gain), and the rest, as they say, is history.
We are now very settled and quite content with our new home. In retrospect, our connection with Lorien Wood School in Vienna, Virginia, has been a large and meaningful part of our life story here. Our volunteering experiences have embellished our lives with wonderful opportunities, meaningful relationships, and rewarding instructional experiences. You see, we are teachers. That’s who we are. We are also volunteers. That’s also who we are. This is how we have spent more than fifty years of our lives, and it has been time well spent.
Here is what we are currently discovering about all of that: it is hard to take the volunteer out of the volunteer, especially when it feels like Lorien Wood is the place we want to be on Fridays. I (Steve) was given the privilege of working with Form 3 (4th & 5th Grade). I have most recently been working with Mrs. Grizzard and Ms. Kime, whom I fondly refer to as "my teachers." That is because, yes, they have taught me a thing or two along the way. It is also because we are like a team, helping, encouraging, and blessing each other! Together, we do the same for each individual student!
They might say that my role is leading a "Reading Seminar." I tend to say that I am just "doing my thing." This means that I love to interact with the students. I try to develop them in various ways such as their critical thinking skills, spirituality, focusing on others, and finding pleasure in reading, just to name a few.
In class, we read books that connect with their Social Studies units. Every single book over the two-year rotation is outstanding. We find many important things to stop and focus on as we learn to read slowly and thoughtfully. For example, as we read Banner in the Sky, Rudi finds himself alone and stuck high up on a mountain. He is basically unprepared to spend the night, and as the sky darkens, he becomes fearful. His thoughts turn to his Father in heaven and to his earthly father who died on this same mountain, perhaps even near this same location. His thoughts turn to The Lord’s Prayer, and he begins to recite it out loud.
We stop reading to let the students share their thoughts and feelings. Together, we take a good look at the Lord’s Prayer. I suggest to them that this is a gift which Jesus has given to each one of us. It is the prayer that we can pray when we don’t know what to pray. It is the prayer that teaches us how to pray.
We proceed to watch the Andrea Bocelli version of this prayer set to music, and they are enthralled by it. These young ones are so open to spiritual things, and I love these times of stoking wonder and awe in their learning! We can’t wait to continue reading to find out what our next discovery will be.
We draw from a variety of reading materials. Even the most simple can sometimes yield useful and profound lessons.
"Think! Think and wonder. Wonder and think. How much water can fifty-five elephants drink?"
You may have guessed that the author is Dr. Seuss and the book is Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!. In class, we discuss this wonderful skill that we can use just about all of the time! What is the author’s message to us? Wonder and then think. We talk about "wonder" in terms of proposing questions (I wonder why ___?), and then we talk about thinking in terms of considering many and varied possible answers to the questions which we have generated. (Maybe it’s because ____.). At this point, it is interesting and helpful to turn to neighbors and share ideas with each other. Wonder and think about the world around you. God’s world. Lorien Wood School effectively nurtures a Biblical worldview.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
This mental exercise leads us to an increase in our knowledge base and a better understanding of God’s wonderful creation. It is so heartwarming to actually see the results of a Lorien Wood experience in these young lives. They demonstrate the good thinking skills that have become a part of who they are. I love hearing their many and varied ideas, often equally valid. Marlena and I have been very warmly accepted by the Lorien Wood community. They have given us both the amazing and wonderful opportunity to combine our previously separated teaching experiences, religious and secular, into one very fulfilling teaching position.
5 Books to Inspire Your Middle Schooler
July 05, 2024
At Lorien Wood, we value good books and encourage our students to develop a reading life of their own. In Form 4 (7th & 8th grade), students do a deep dive into the history of the world and enter imaginatively into the lives of people in other times and countries. These recommendations are meant to help students enter into engaging stories and put themselves in the shoes of others while getting a taste of some of the challenges of other time periods.
We hope these titles will spark your middle schooler's love for reading and bring joy to their literary adventures!
1. Bomb by Steve Sheikin
This book reads like a thriller! It’s an excellent history of the race to build the atomic bomb and the espionage that swirled around the German, British, Russian and American bomb programs.
2. The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp
Maria von Trapp tells her family’s experience of learning how to take joy in family life after she marries the widowed father of seven. This book provides a delightful depiction of life in pre-World War II Austria. It also recounts the family’s experience as immigrants to America and the re-creation of their family life as Americans.
3. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
An aristocratic woman has no idea that her English husband is involved in the daring effort to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine. This adventure takes readers into the tumultuous days of the bloody French Revolution.
4. Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
A true story of grit and resilience, this book tells the story of the creation of the 1936 American Olympic men’s rowing team. It’s a beautiful reminder of how we grow through hard experiences. An abridged version is also available for younger readers.
5. God of the Fairy Tale by Jim Ware
Fairy Tales, like many fantasy stories or folktales, often express deep human experiences and longings that echo the Christian story. Jim Ware traces these connections and helps readers see the deeper truth embedded in fairy tales.
We love to cultivate reading here at Lorien Wood, a private school in Vienna, VA. Check out our leisure reading book lists!
Compelling Leisure Reads for High Schoolers
June 21, 2024
Lorien Wood’s integral education continues into the high school years. Our literature choices reflect the time periods and concepts our students are learning about in Humanities class and beyond! While we require our students to read a robust selection of classic and modern literature in class, they are encouraged to read additional books ranging from non-fiction to picture books to novels and plays to enrich their learning independently. Through offering a diverse selection of reading, we cultivate lifelong learners, students who crave to explore more and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
1. Home Ec for Everyone by Sharon & David Bowers
Instructions for cooking, sewing, laundry, domestic arts, and life skills all in one tidy volume! Scholars of Rohan are integrally learning many of these skills in a variety of their classes. This book provides an opportunity for upper school students to further develop practical skills for their lives beyond Lorien Wood!
2. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
This classic work of fantasy literature has rich roots in epic poetry, philology, and mythology. The rich world of Middle Earth is our inspiration for the vision of our school and high school is a wonderful time for students to explore the world of hobbits, dwarves, and elves independently. The Fellowship of the Ring is a continuation of the sprawling world Tolkien created in The Hobbit (1937), and volumes two and three, The Two Towers (1954) and The Return of the King (1955), complete the central story of the Bagginses and the One Ring.
3. 1984 by George Orwell
In George Orwell's 1984, Winston Smith wrestles with oppression in Oceania, a place where the Party scrutinizes human actions with ever-watchful Big Brother. Defying a ban on individuality, Winston dares to express his thoughts in a diary and pursues a relationship with Julia. These criminal deeds bring Winston into the eye of the opposition, who then must reform the nonconformist. This dystopian novel explores the ideas of personal freedom and individual identity which are explored in our high school curriculum, making it an appropriate choice for students to read outside of school assignments.
4. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
The Pilgrim’s Progress is a Christian allegory told by way of the narrator’s dream. On the surface, the story follows a man named Christian as he leaves the City of Destruction and journeys to a place called the Celestial City, encountering all sorts of roadblocks and fearsome creatures along the way. But on a deeper level, The Pilgrim’s Progress charts the journey of an average Christian person as they strive to leave behind their destructive, sinful ways and get to Heaven.
5. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis argues for the logical validity of Christianity, defends the religion from its critics, and looks in detail at what the life of a Christian is like. Lorien Wood’s Scholars of Rohan learn how to defend their faith in Bible classes all four years of high school. This book is a wonderful way for students to further develop their understanding of the faith outside of class.
10 Exciting Field Trip Destinations: Exploring Beyond the Classroom at Lorien Wood
June 07, 2024
Embarking on exciting field trips is a hallmark of the Lorien Wood experience. As a private school in Northern Virginia, we are aptly located to explore the rich history of the greater Washington, D.C. area. With a commitment to hands-on learning, we ensure that every grade level experiences a variety of field trips throughout the year. Each field trip is carefully curated to complement our curriculum and provide an enriching experience for our students. Join us as we explore 10 must-see destinations that combine fun, learning, and adventure!
1. Lincoln’s Cottage
During their unit study on The Quest for Valor, Form 2 students embark on a historic visit to Lincoln’s Cottage. Located on a 250-acre campus in the NW corner of D.C., President Lincoln’s Cottage offers students an intimate window into the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest leaders. Through interactive activities and guided tours, students gain a deeper understanding of the courage and fortitude exemplified by Lincoln during his presidency.
2. Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center
Form 3 students travel to this important cultural center to study Omani Culture during their Unit on Peace and Conflict in the Middle East. The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about the culture and geography of Oman. Named after the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the center is one of his many cultural legacies, promoting arts and cultural conservation. Their favorite activity includes learning how to write in Arabic, immersing themselves in a different language and script.
3. Wolftrap National Park
Form 1 students embark on a nature hike at Wolftrap National Park, where they explore the forest and learn about the anatomy of trees, photosynthesis, and biodiversity. This outdoor adventure sparks curiosity and a love for nature among young learners. With lovely hiking trails, it's the perfect destination for our budding outdoor enthusiasts.
4. The Bible Museum
As part of their Humanities studies on the ancient Israelites and surrounding cultures, middle schoolers delve into the world of the Israelites at The Bible Museum. Here, they embark on an immersive journey through exhibits that bring biblical narratives to life, enhancing their understanding of history and culture.
5. Mount Vernon
High school students step back in time with a visit to George Washington’s Plantation, incorporated into their Humanities unit on the Founding Fathers and biology unit on Botany. They explore the extensive gardens and learn about President Washington’s innovative farming techniques, connecting the past with the present and gaining insights into America’s early history.
6. Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Watershed (6th grade) students uncover the mysteries of Alexandria's past at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, where they learn about excavation techniques and dendrochronology- the science of dating events using timber growth rings. Guided by archaeologists, students explore artifacts and delve into the city's history, connecting with the past in a hands-on learning environment.
7. Hidden Oaks Nature Center
This center hosts a myriad of programs throughout the year, each offering unique opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery. Form 1 students recently participated in a program titled "Spring Changes," immersing themselves in the wonders of the changing seasons. Guided by knowledgeable naturalists, they embarked on nature walks, explored the pond ecosystem, and engaged with interactive exhibits showcasing the beauty and diversity of our local wildlife. Through these experiences, students develop a deeper appreciation for nature and gain valuable insights into the interconnectedness of the environment.
8. National Gallery of Art
A highlight for many of our Lorien Wood students is the National Gallery of Art visit. As art enthusiasts, they are eager to explore the masterpieces housed within its walls. This field trip directly ties into our curriculum at almost every grade level. For example, during Form 3's exploration of Old & New in Western Europe, students identify original works in person and take their time to sketch a few of their favorites. Similarly, Form 2 students study pointillism and abstract art as they create self-portraits, gaining inspiration from the diverse range of artistic styles on display. Guided by knowledgeable docents, our students delve into the stories behind the paintings, gaining insights into art history and the creative process.
9. Virginia State Arboretum
Watershed students discover the wonders of nature at the Virginia State Arboretum, exploring diverse plant collections and picturesque gardens. From wetlands to meadows, students learn about native and non-native species and the importance of conservation, immersing themselves in the beauty of the natural world. The Arboretum is one of the few places on the East Coast working to restore the American Chestnut Tree.
10. National Botanic Gardens
Form 1 students celebrate the holiday season at the National Botanic Gardens, exploring Christmas traditions and the legend of the poinsettia. The holiday train show is a highlight, featuring festive displays created by artisans who craft them solely from plant matter. As they marvel at these intricate creations, students immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of nature.
At Lorien Wood, we believe in the power of experiential learning to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our field trip destinations offer students unique opportunities to explore, discover, and connect with the world around them. We hope you consider exploring some of these wonderful destinations with your family!