Start Close In - Reflecting on a Year

For us, the first step to starting anything is to listen to your heart. In a democratic school, a school with rules made by children, without grades, we think you have to start with trusting the children. Guiding their inquiry. It is not as easy as you might think.

 

David Whyte’s poem Start Close In begins:

“Start close in,

don’t take the second step

or the third,

start with the first thing close in,

the step you don’t want to take.”

When we started we asked for advice from other democratic schools about what to expect on the first day? The reply was, ‘chaos’. And, so we began. When this week ends so will the school year and the school that we opened with anxiety, joy and hope. There was chaos, but not the kind you would imagine.

“Start with the ground you know,

The pale ground beneath your feet,

Your own way of starting the conversation.”

We learned a lot in this year. We learned that coercion doesn’t work and schedules and rules are important. First things, first. Some days we had tears of joy and some days we just had tears.

“Start with your own question,

Give up on other people questions,

Don’t let them smother something simple.”

Can children make rules? Can children be motivated by themselves to learn? Can we trust that children are curious, will learn, develop and become in their own precious time? – with our love and support, become their very best? Is that enough?

“To find another’s voice

Follow your own voice,

Wait until that voice becomes

A private ear listening

To another.”

We don’t know exactly what is next, what the second step, or the third will be. We know deep down that we have to start with the first step.

“Start right now

Take a small step  

You can call your own

Don’t follow someone else’s heroics,

Be humble and focused,

Start close in,

Don’t mistake that other for your own.”

We learned from the chaos, much as we all learn in life. Some things were amazing successes: the morning ritual of signing in and playing, silent reading, daily math instruction, group hikes, Tuesday afternoon cooking, scientific research, geography of the world, and the wildlife that was right outside our door.  We held a Science Fair, a Poetry Slam and went on field trips to extend our learning experience outside of school. Many parents and people interested in our school volunteered their time to offer activities ranging from rocket science to scavenger hunts, tai chi, and art.

Some things were amazingly hard like navigating personal relationships and conflicts. Some of the conversations were extraordinary. Other days were ordinary; but filled with questions, investigations, surprises and a deeper understanding of the interests and needs.

And the poem closes:

Start close in,

Don’t take the second step,

Or the third,

Start with the first thing close in,

The step you don’t want to take.

And as we take the next steps, we will check our hearts, and the wise words of Elizabeth Hainstock, “Never do for a child what s/he is capable of doing for themselves.” 

What we learned this year is that children are capable of a lot!

With gratitude,

Janine, Kelly, Barb and Pat

School at Kirkridge 2016-17