Illuminating the Unknown
Curiosity is the not-so-secret ingredient that propels children and adults to excel, to be interested, and to find joy in the world around them. I believe curiosity is the heart and soul of the Acton model therefore when learners get curious we lean in! A few weeks ago we noticed that a handful of learners were talking about their older siblings and other friends who go to a different school, not Acton. They didn’t know the name for it but to us parents they were talking about traditional school. As we listened to learners chat about what they thought other schools were like (lockers were the primary topic of excitement) we realized that not a single learner in our Spark studio ever experienced a traditional school. Chalk it up to youth or the pandemic but Acton was their only experience of school.
Because of their booming curiosity and a bit of resistance to engage in their typical work habits Guides and I did what we do best, we crafted an experiment. A few months back Discovery learners had a traditional school simulation that yielded many eye-opening responses so naturally it was Spark’s turn. On a Tuesday at 8:30am Guides declared “Good morning, today we will have an experiment. Many of you have been curious about what happens at other schools and so today you will find out what a traditional school feels like. Traditional school is different than Acton not better, not worse, just different. Today the experiment will last only for one hour and then we will all discuss what you experienced.” Following this announcement learners had big wide eyes and seemed excited, it felt like a game. The unknown was about to be illuminated!
During the simulation we observed that some learners didn’t mind the change, for older learners some enjoyed the easier work. For other learners some were agitated having to stay seated, they were frustrated that they couldn’t get water or snack when they needed, and they deeply wanted to choose their own work. Everyone is different and this experience was simply meant to gift learners the knowledge of the unknown, to understand difference.
The Guide asked “What did you notice were the differences between a traditional school and how we have school at Acton?” Learners shared “We couldn’t choose our work” “It was really quiet, I liked the quiet” “We had to stay seated the whole time” “I liked playing games together” “I just wanted to go back to Core Skills and do the Abacus” “I wanted to talk but we weren’t allowed” “I like the way Acton feels because I can move, play, and choose how I learn. Acton has more kid freedoms.”
Since this experience we’ve noticed some changes. Learners seem to appreciate their freedom with greater intensity and perhaps it’s just the time of year but learners seem to have increased tenacity to set and attain goals. Badges are brewing and freedoms are flying with beauty and accountability!
This is what Acton is about, we offer real experiences in order to find understanding, experiences that engage reflection and empower learners to choose who they want to be. Learners make the choice everyday to be co-creators of their learning experience and when they are unleashed to create, to explore trial and error, to fail, they find their interests, their passions, talents, and they come together to support one another’s goals.
At Acton we lean in to the hard, we get curious, and we play a game. Your child is an Acton learner, a hero, forging their own path and you are a heroic parent braving the unknown with us, thank you.