Flowing with Freedom
“Why does Discovery have more freedom? It isn’t fair that they can choose to be inside during recess and we can’t.” These were the wise words of a 5 year old Spark learner early on this session. This 5 year old saw and felt great inequity and deeply desired freedom for themselves. At the start of Session 4 Discovery learners were extended the opportunity to freely choose where and when to lunch and where and when to play outside or inside during the hour and a half of the mid day period. Naturally, this new freedom was observed and coveted by Spark learners. After a week of difference between studios and a chance for Discovery to experiment, Spark learners had their chance to feel freedom. For these last 3 weeks there has been a palpable change that is undeniable. By offering the flow of freedom learners appear more joyful, more regulated, and are buzzing with creative energy.
Previously, learners moved together as a studio to lunch, clean up, and recess outside all like clockwork. It never felt stressful but certainly there was always one learner who needed more time to eat or one that finished in minutes and there was always the rogue learner who just wasn’t feeling their cleaning job. It wasn’t horrible but it wasn’t always joyful and didn’t honor the individuality of the needs of our Acton heroes.
As a Guide team, we knew there had to be another way to feel joy and thus an experiment was born. Flow time freedom is messy, joyful, and the ultimate ooze of learning. Where the average eye may see chaos we Guides see learners practicing the regulation of their bodies and the exploration of passions, we see time management skills growing, and we see accountability and responsibility gaining importance. More freedom means greater awareness for what matters.
There’s a common misconception about Acton and about the word freedom. Many parents and children believe that freedom means that you can do whatever you want however Acton isn’t Lord of the Flies. At Acton we believe in curating a learning environment that has freedom within limits so that safely learners can practice testing boundaries and can learn who they are and how their choices effect others. Freedom within limits means that a box has been defined. The box is a time limit (1.5 hrs), the box is the activities that are available (lunch, movement inside or outside, games, or chats), and the box includes guardrails that define safety and kindness. Do whatever you want doesn’t exist at Acton because learners committed promises to one another and every day they are reminded of their signed commitment. Freedom flows through our Acton walls and is the #1 instigator of joy.
Here’s a head scratcher that made our Guide and learner troop think. What is the difference between freedom and privilege? There is so much overlap and honestly, these two words tend to get confused. Here’s our new imperfect differentiation, a freedom is an opportunity for all that is consistently offered and a privilege is a special reward or advantage that is given. Freedoms can be opened and limited while a privilege is a one off opportunity. We are still tinkering here so if you have any grand distinctions please share!
With all this freedom talk I’ve been trying to walk the walk in my own home and recently talked with my children about their basic responsibilities and the freedoms they desired. We made a check list with words and pictures of putting away coats, shoes, resetting lunches, making snacks, and taking care of our dog named Waffles. We all agreed that once the basics are complete each day they and I have the freedom to play, and options were listed. There are guardrails and just like school if guardrails are crossed then we give reminders and if really serious we limit freedoms to practice honoring our guardrail promises. Freedom within limits builds trust and responsibility but most of all I’ve found the treasure of joy. My children are not only more regulated but their eyes twinkle with confidence in their abilities. We are all more joyful.
How can you co-create with your child and curate freedom at home?