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(9ish to 12ish—boys often just a little later):

The emphasis here is on Love above Learning. This distinction is only necessary because so many of us have a conveyor belt hangover, and we tend toward duplicating our own experiences with conveyor belt systems.

These are the years when children dabble with subjects, getting to know "what's out there". If they have come from the Core Phase in good order they are often fearless, feeling like almost everything will be interesting and believing that they will be able to do whatever they set their minds to.

Children learn accountability through their family obligations, chores, personal grooming, attitude, etc. School time is simply "fun," with no sense of obligation to be responsible or committed to a particular path. In any endeavor: let them get what they came for (fun, curiosity, exposure, ???) and then move on when they want, however short or long that time might be. You are the parent with the right and obligation to set healthy limits, but be sure you aren't limiting something for the wrong reasons. The most important thing to learn during this phase is Love of Learning. We can't reasonably cover everything in these years. The most important thing, the thing that will enable the child to really learn what they do study and successfully cover later all the rest, is the Love of Learning. That value governs the whole concept of "Inspire, not Require".

Avoid committing to a curriculum or lesson structure that has external demands (financial commitments, practice schedules) you are not willing to compromise. In most cases, you can find a way to gain the value of that experience without the Scholar-like requirements. In the few cases you cannot, strongly consider letting it wait until Scholar Phase.

Be patient! The time for such demands and structure is coming soon during Scholar Phase! Love of Learning should feel like a treasure hunt. Parents, especially those who thrive on structure and follow-through, need to be on track in their own progression in the Phases as a means of gaining confidence in this time of high-energy/low-demand. The more you want to push and manipulate the kids, direct it at yourself! Remember: Inspire, not Require!

• Ammon's Treehouse — Love of Learning supports including links, downloads and resource listings for Boys' Clubs.

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