Date of Completion

5-31-2025

Document Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Robert Ricketts

Second Advisor

Jeremy Szteiter

Abstract

This synthesis project explores how families can use shared exercise and reflective practice to cultivate lifelong learning habits and deepen family connection. Anchored in the fields of critical and creative thinking, the work integrates concepts of metacognition, flow, and personal mastery to examine how structured, intentional routines can foster both individual growth and relational attunement. The author documents a series of weekly exercise sessions undertaken with her co-parent and child at a local training facility. Drawing from theories of action research, reflective practice (Schön, Brookfield), and flow (Csikszentmihalyi), the project combines personal observation, scholarly frameworks, and course-based learning to construct a flexible model of family-based engagement. What began as a simple goal—to prioritize health and routine—evolved into a sustained inquiry into the developmental potential of shared practices. The synthesis offers practical insight into how families might use low-stakes, collaborative activities as a site for learning, connection, and habit formation. While deeply personal in origin, the project speaks to a broader audience of caregivers, educators, and practitioners interested in applying reflective strategies to family life. It highlights how flow states can emerge from ordinary routines, especially when supported by mindful reflection and shared purpose. The project ultimately affirms that lifelong learning is not only an individual pursuit but also a collaborative, evolving practice grounded in presence, structure, and co-creation.

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