Growing Governance
Every time I share our unique Acton school model of child-led governance with adults I typically get a raised eye brow and this comment, “How is that possible? They can’t run school by themselves.” This doubt is our Acton fuel! YES, they can do hard things! Children when encouraged and equipped to work as a team with kindness and grit can 100% govern and lead the charge of their education. This session is proof as every day learners are stepping up and rising as heroes by leading discussions, managing jobs, and inspiring one another to make mindful changes for their school community.
You too might still be somewhat skeptical and envision that the Acton school day resembles the dysfunctional dynamic of Ralph, Piggy, Jack, and all the surviving boys in the classic book Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Sure, there are messy moments where order is unclear and play appears as chaos however learners always tend to regroup with greater strength, a plan always emerges—eventually! Acton self-governance doesn’t just appear as parliament instead true governance and commitment is grown like a slow garden that is tended, loved, and bountiful.
This week I looked at a Guide and she said “Wow, this never would have happened last year!” Her comment occurred as we both listened intensely to two Discovery learners call their studio to the carpet, propose an issue of free time options, lead a debate on guardrails, and then run a vote. As Guides we simply supported with nods and smiles and after they finished we congratulated them with handshakes of a job well done. Why is this year different? This year, we are inviting learners to lead more regularly while Guides step back with support. We are trusting learners to care when they see studio injustices and we trust that they have the tools to take action. Tools can sometimes be as simple as remembering what you observed and confirming with a friend.
The best part of stepping back for learners to step forward is the shift of energy in the room. It’s that sugar rush feeling learners glow and burst when they experience and take part in democratic governance. Big eyes, ear to ear smiles, and an out of breath excitement is the greatest treasure any Guide can witness. This week a leading learner shared “I can’t believe I just ran that Core Skills reflection, I didn’t think I could do it but I think I’m actually really great at it!” The Guide asked, “Do you think you’d want to do this again?” The learner’s response was “Yes, definitely! I think I can get even better, it was so fun!” They continued and now a new learner has taken the torch; leadership flows. At week 4 it’s amazing how many learners are leading framework (repeated format) Launches in the Discovery Studio such as Chit Chats, Hero’s Journey, Core Skill reflection, Goal Setting and more!
As a parent you can practice mindful trust and invite your child to take the lead too. It is easy to get stuck in the parental desire to be needed and a fixed mindset such as “my child is too little they can’t do this, they need my help.” If this sounds like your self talk try this. Pick a simple task your child never does but which is within their reach. Perhaps loading the dishwasher or operating our beloved game Chit Chat: Would You Rather. They’ve seen you do it, ask them if they’d like this job. Give a tip if needed and stand back. If while loading the dishwasher your child loads the cups where plates should be, wait—say nothing. Just when you are about to correct, step back again—say nothing. If they look to you for help ask a question instead of just giving them the answer. Most of all, in order to grow your ability to step back with love and support the growth of your child to lead there is one nonnegotiable ingredient. You must cheer your child on and tell them you trust them even if you’re not sure. The smell of doubt is pungent while the smell of belief is fragrantly infectious. The most meaningful and motivating phrase a child can hear besides I love you are “I trust you.” At Acton, we trust you and we trust that all of our amazing children will change the world one messy decision at a time!