Acton Academy Nanaimo is many things. Challenging, fun, engaging, empowering....did I mention fun? One thing it is not, is utopia. Like all environments where humans are interacting for hours each day, most days of the week, there are bound to be conflicts and clashes. However, unlike most other childhood settings where an adult will intervene, provide the solutions, enforce the rules, often separate the people involved and impose disciplinary action, etc., at Acton Academy children are equipped, encouraged, and empowered to handle these disputes without adult intervention (as much as is safe and appropriate to do so). As a young and entirely "new-to-Acton" group, we are learning these skills together. One of our older learners said to me one day, "It was so much easier at my other school. The teachers just made us get along." "I hear you," I said. "It is so much easier to have an adult solve the problem. But what did you see happen when that adult wasn't around?" We discussed the hard but invaluable lessons they're learning at Acton: how to communicate effectively, even in a moment of intense emotion. How to clearly convey when someone has crossed your boundary. How to listen with empathy when a friend tells you they've been hurt by something you did. How to offer a sincere apology. How to work towards finding a compromise, a solution both parties are happy with. How to negotiate understanding between two people who are arguing. We then discussed how this might translate into later life, in difficult moments with a co-worker, a boss, or a life partner? In the end, she felt it was better to learn and practice these skills now, but wanted to make sure I knew it was going to be hard. I hear you girl, it is!
Later that day I witnessed her step up to help negotiate a compromise between two of her studiomates who were arguing over rules of a game they were playing. Voices were raised and tensions were high, but she was able to step in, help them communicate with one another, and negotiate a compromise they both felt good about. Within minutes, they were playing happily in their game again. Acton in action, a beautiful thing to see.
On Monday afternoon one of our heroes discovered a cocoon in the forest and brought it over for the group to examine. After being in our hands for a few moments the cocoon began to move and wiggle, causing squeals of surprise and excitement! A quick internet search told us this was a moth cocoon, and a debate ensued over whether we should keep it as a pet or not. It was the end of our day so we agreed to leave it outside until we could discuss it more the next day.
Tuesday morning came and we began our day with a Socratic discussion around keeping creatures we've found in nature. We asked questions like, "Is it better to keep a creature inside, where it's sure to be safe from predators and have all the food and water it needs, or to be outside where it's free but must hunt for food and is at risk of predation?" Everyone had a chance to share their thoughts and opinions. We then deepened the conversation by adding, "What if this was the last moth of it's kind on earth, and by keeping it indoors we knew it would live for another 5 years? Should we keep it inside or leave it outdoors, where it will be free but it's life may be much shorter?" Again, there were lots of opinions and arguments on both sides of the aisle, and the whole group was thoroughly engaged in the discussion. In the end, we took a vote and the majority decided they wanted the moth to hatch outdoors and live free. It was one of the more engaging and powerful launches we've had to date, and the studio was abuzz with enthusiasm over this moral dilemma. We moved into our Flow Zone work with the option of incorporating some moth learning materials for those who wished to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
On Wednesday we sat down to watch an inspirational video of a day in the life at the flagship Acton Academy in Austin, Texas. In doing so, we saw a world-class example of what's possible when children take ownership over and responsibility for their learning journey, from elementary age all the way through to high school. Everyone was so inspired by their maturity, freedom, and the obvious lack of adult intervention. It was the perfect way to refocus our studio, to give them a clear visual representation of what we're aiming for in our new and young campus. The tone afterwards was much more intentional and their commitment to the cause was clear for all to see.
One of the tools we use at Acton Academy Nanaimo is the brilliant Bob Book series for those who are just starting their reading journey. There are 10 sets organized in ascending difficulty, and each set has between 8-12 books. This week we introduced a new map for our heroes to track their progress.....the map of Mt. Bob! Each learner has an avatar (their photo) which they move along the map after independently reading a Bob Book. They start at the bottom of Mt. Bob with the first book of the first series, and will earn a badge for each completed series read aloud, without assistance. Once they've read the final book of the 10th series, they have successfully summited Mt. Bob!
This was very motivating for our group, and shortly after we hit two major and exciting milestones for our young campus....one of our 6 year olds read through all 12 of the first series, thus earning the first badge at Acton Academy Nanaimo! Then, one of our 5 year old learners read her very first book (pictured above sitting on her dad's (aka: our assistant guide's) lap)! In less than 6 weeks, she went from being at the very beginning of her phonics journey, learning what sound each letter makes, to being able to read on her own. She was so proud, so excited....nothing could stop this train. She went on to read 13 more Bob Books this week!
Another one of our heroes, who'd been resistant to reading, looked at that map with determination in his eyes, sat down with the first series, and would not get up until it was all read. We were all rooting for him, and when he slammed down the last book and said "I did it!" everyone jumped and cheered, applauding and gathering around to witness him add the first of what's sure to be many badges to his crest. The momentum continued and before the week was out, our youngest learner dug deep, worked hard, and was proud to announce "I finished it!" after reading her first Bob book too :). Doors are being opened, worlds unlocked, and the credit goes entirely to these heroes who are in control of their educational journey.
We were graced with some truly gorgeous fall weather almost every day this week and our afternoons were spent entirely outdoors. We encountered some new creatures by the river, including a rainbow trout we caught and released, as well as a redback salamander! Rumour has it the river will soon be teaming with salmon as they head upstream to spawn. We'll be keeping an eye out for that for sure! It seems there's no end to the residents we meet each week, and it's one of the many things I'm so thankful for on this journey....this beautiful oasis where we get to learn, play, and explore together.
In anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities this weekend, we began our day on Friday with a beautiful book, "Thanksgiving in the Woods". It's a true story about a family who, for over 20 years, have gathered in the woods near their home to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. Everyone loved the story and shared the traditions they have with their families for this special holiday. It turns out we all celebrate with a big turkey dinner, and there's a unanimous love for pickles in our studio! Some children have homemade cranberry sauce, some have pumpkin pie or apple crisp. Others watch the football game or play by the beach with cousins. Some share things they're thankful for before starting their meal, and others have a peaceful, quiet meal with beloved grandparents. One thing we all had in common was a love for this holiday and the time we get to spend with our friends and family. After our Flow Zone and Core Skills time we wandered down to the river, and as lunch approached one of our heroes suggested we have a picnic lunch in the woods. "It can be like our own Thanksgiving in the Woods!" he said. Everyone loved this idea! We ran back inside, packed up some blankets and our lunches, and found the perfect spot to share a meal. They all agreed this would be our new tradition for the Friday before Thanksgiving. I couldn't have come up with a better idea myself.
Whatever your traditions, whomever you celebrate with, however big or small or fancy or humble, we wish you full hearts, full bellies, and the very best Thanksgiving.
"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." _Marcus Tullius Cicero
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