New Year, Fresh Start
This Monday, after a long winter break, learners returned to Acton a little taller, with less teeth, and also with greater confidence in what they want to accomplish at school. It was amazing to see each learner barrel in to the start of Session 4 with excitement and great determination. Day 1 a hard earned badge was earned, Day 2 two badges were earned, and Day 3 another valuable badge was achieved. This may be a new record of badges earned in a week! So, what is different? What lit the fire of learners to achieve?
It’s hard to know exactly but part of the achievement equation is learners now know the ropes. They know their routine, how they learn, how to set goals, and most importantly learners are proud to work hard even in the face of challenges, even our youngest 4 year olds! Time and determination are clearly paying off and we all are delighting in many celebratory handshakes and wiggle dances.
As it is a new year, Acton Guides are continuing to pass more independence and accountability to learners. This session, learners now have a running partner, rather than running team. What’s been the difference? Besides the adorable pairs of learners huddled together during Core Skills, learners now have one dedicated sound board and cheer leader, in some cases a bit of a police officer too. This peer support is showing greater camaraderie and determination. Learners are more focused. A pair that plans their goals together also parties during game time together, a well deserved privilege!
One element of Acton life that has remained unchanged is democracy however we’ve noticed that as learners engage in the democratic process they have become more reflective and articulate. On Monday, Guides asked each studio of learners one question “Based on what you know from last year what one thing do you want to change as a studio to make your studio better?” Learners had all sorts of ideas such as using more kind words, taking less breaks, staying more focused during Core Skills rather than getting distracted, and more. Learners shared their reasoning during Monday’s Town Hall discussion and completed the Launch discussion with a vote, their goal to work on as a studio.
The results: Spark Studio voted to master marshmallow feet throughout the school; Discovery Studio voted to take less breaks during Core Skills. Today, Friday, learners reflected on what worked and what didn’t. Monday the process of goal setting will begin again.
As one learner repeated often this week “Get rid of the old, make room for the new.” A new year feels like a fresh start for people all over the world, including Acton Owl learners. New year, fresh start!