deeprootcenter
  • Home
    • Contact
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • Consultations
    • DRC-Canton Summer Program
    • Canton Afternoon Program
    • DRC Calendar
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
    • Grant Funders & Sponsors
  • Blog

Explore the Possibilities with Us

Donate

Seat-time

1/28/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
by Maria Corse
 
Seat-time is a unit of measurement used in traditional schools, which is, frequently, the determining factor, along with grades from standardized tests, for passing and failing a subject or grade level. I will argue that sitting in a seat (or, a classroom) for the required number of days or hours, along with memorizing facts long enough to pass a test (both set by state regulations) has absolutely nothing to do with learning, but everything to do with control.

​I see many disturbing issues that can (and should) be raised about these policies.  The first of which addresses the thousands of ways real people learn.  There are several recognized models and theories of learning styles, the common denominator among them all is that everyone is completely unique and each of us has one or two dominant styles, but may utilize several to gain information. Very few, if any, of us acquire knowledge passively, by sitting and listening to a lecture.  Many of us need to be actively engaged. We require a stimulating environment where learning is a dynamic experience not a spectator sport, and, where we feel comfortable enough to seek out answers on our own by getting involved - exploring, touching, tasting, smelling, and, in short, getting messy. However, within most classroom settings, if a child is doodling, fidgeting, staring off into space, bouncing in their chair, shuffling their feet, or even, asking questions they are accused of not listening (obeying) and are frequently punished.
 
Traditional education speaks superficially to differing learning styles by developing “multi-modality” pedagogy where lesson plans include the use of several learning methods.  Yes, those lesson plans may have visual, auditory, and kinesthetic components; however, they, for the most part, are not addressing individuality, and are not derived from the student’s questions, interests, or ideas. They, simply, are another way to conform to the rules set forth by people (bureaucrats) who do not understand what real learning is.   
 
Secondly, our educational system was developed, during the Industrial revolution, from the need for compliant workers who had enough basic understanding of math, reading, and writing (the three Rs) to be productive in the factories.  


Picture
We no longer need an obedient, subservient population who can sit still in a classroom and score satisfactorily on tests, walk in a straight line down a hallway, take their hat off upon entering a building, or, for that matter, ask permission to eat, or even, empty their bladder. Those factory jobs are, mostly, a thing of the past. Our educational system, however, has changed very little.  At this moment, more than any other time, our world requires innovative, critical and forward-thinking people who are not afraid to shake up the status quo.
​
Quite possibly the most problematic abstraction in this entire conversation is that we expect our kids to understand the concept of consent, but yet on the most basic level, they are not given the opportunity to agree to what they are going to do with the majority of their time between the age of five and eighteen.  It is vital for our mental health to have the opportunity and ability to say, yes or no, to every single detail in our lives. I think we would all agree that it is a direct violation anytime we are forced to do something (anything) that we don’t want to do.

 
Yet, we don’t often think of compulsory education as non-consensual - a form of coercion. You will be in direct violation of US law, and, in most cases, will be reported to Child Protective Services, if your child does not attend school (or register to homeschool). Most kids, therefore, are not given the option to do anything else, but attend school. No one asks them what they are most interested in or what they would like to do with their days, it is simply implied that attending school is the only alternative.  Joel Hammond, the co-founder of Princeton Learning Cooperative (a member of the Liberated Learner Network), referencing Blake Boles theory of educational consent, states it best at about minute 4 in his recent TedX Talk.
 
Sit still and listen – is no longer a feasible educational method. Not only does it not work for most children’s learning styles or for the future economic viability of this nation, it has produced a population of students who are going into the world labeled with some form of oppositional or attention disorder. Many of these kids don’t have an affliction! They are, quite simply, perfectly normal, uniquely human individuals who are intent on discovering the joy of learning, outside the confined, controlled, and coercive system. ​

Picture
Photo Credits: Alicia D - taken on Friday's excursion to the Nicandri Nature Center in Massena
1 Comment

Rest

1/21/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Maria Corse

In our crazy world of hurry-up, bigger, better, and win, win, win, where we are afraid of becoming bored, we often fail to appreciate the need for balance.  Despite those really long to-do lists, we all need the time to relax, take a break, and, in some cases, simply, crash when we have ignored all of the signs of exhaustion. Which, as you can probably guess, happened to me today. After trying to write a post for several hours this morning – desperately fighting to get ideas and words to flow –continually deleting, cutting, pasting and then deleting some more – I ended up with only two short paragraphs of utter crap, which did not convey my original idea at all.  
 
When my creative brain absolutely refuses to cooperate, I know it is time to cut my losses and quit. Only today it took me a little longer than usual to get the message. I don’t know why I struggled far more than I should have, maybe because I was unwilling to give up on this particular idea, or it could be because I hate the thought of an unfinished piece gathering virtual dust in the “cloud”. 
 
In any case, this post is the result of my day’s lesson.  Be good to yourself.  Listen to your brain and body when they tell you it is time to rest.  Spend some down time with your loved ones.  If crashing is what you require, then go for it. (You don’t need kittens laying on your chest; however, Tommy and Ursa’s sonorous purring certainly facilitated my very long nap.)
 
Trust me, your to-do list will be there tomorrow, as will mine.


Shiver Me Timbers -Silent Auction Fund Raiser
The donations for the Silent Auction are coming in. You don't want to miss out on the fun.  Purchase your tickets on-line.
0 Comments

Welcome!

1/14/2018

1 Comment

 
DRC is not an island even though it may feel that way, at times, up here on the second floor.  Our goal, since the beginning, is to be an integral and dynamic part of our community.  Fostering a warm, respectful, and friendly environment, as highlighted in last week’s blog post, however, is not enough. Our community, quite simply, might not find us, unless we explicitly invite them in.
​
​This past week, we had the pleasure of welcoming two people into our space.  Jorge Garcia, the owner of Aztec Tacos, (yes, that Aztec Tacos – the food truck with yummy, authentic Mexican fare and long lines every time it is parked in Canton) came in on Thursday.  We are thrilled that he has agreed to provide food for the DRC Shiver Me Timbers – Silent Auction Event at the Buccaneer Lounge, Feb. 12th. Not only is his food amazing, he is a really nice guy who is excited to be part of this community. Jorge will also have his truck parked outside during the event so participants can purchase additional treats from his full menu.
 
Addie Jenne, the NYS Assemblywoman for the River District, which includes Canton, visited DRC Friday afternoon.  She had a chance to meet our kids and talk about DRC’s philosophy, mission, and goals for the future.  The main reason we invited her was to ask specifically about the progress of bill A-445A, which she has co-sponsored, and, is currently stuck in the Assembly pipeline.  This bill would effectively forbid NYS school districts from disallowing homeschool students from playing interscholastic sports with their local school team.  We were able to explain why the passage of this bill has particular importance to us – Deep Root Center would become a viable educational option for those students in St. Lawrence County who want to leave public school, because they have many interests and goals that do not match those set forth by traditional school, but also want to play sports on their home team.  Athletics are a huge part of our culture (especially here in the NoCo) and to ask homeschool students (whether they participate in our programming or not) to give up the opportunities and benefits that playing sports provide is completely unfair.  The assemblywoman agreed to look into the progress of the bill and will report back to us.  We will keep you updated on this issue as well.  (We will share photos of this visit as soon as we have access to them.)
 
We understand that our students are further enriched when they are exposed to people from our community who have fresh ideas and alternative points of view, as well as influence in the broader world.  DRC programming is enhanced by every single person who is willing to share their talents, experience, and knowledge with us.
 
Please consider this your formal invitation.  We would be delighted to host (meet) you, anytime (students are in the space M, Th, and F from 9-3:30). Our entrance is inset along the red brick wall on Riverside Drive, around the corner from Main Street. Simply follow the colorful signs (and enthusiastic, lively voices) as you climb up the stairs.  Drop in or call ahead.  You will always be welcome at DRC. 
Picture





​



​DRC NEWS

 
Shiver Me Timbers - Silent Auction

#meetusatthebucc for our 2nd annual silent auction, Feb 12th 6-10.  Purchase your tickets here and remember only DRC ticket holders receive a complimentary Aztec Tacos – taco.

​
If you have an item that you would like to donate to the auction please contact Maria. All contributors will be publicly acknowledged.

Picture
Membership

Remember DRC accepts new student members throughout the year.  If you are seeking an education that is relevant to your interests and aspirations, contact us today.
1 Comment

Belonging

1/7/2018

0 Comments

 
by Maria Corse
 
We are like a weird little family, quipped 15-year-old Emmy upon returning from our Water, Woods, & Wild Wonder adventure at my house, in the forests of Pierrepont, this past Tuesday.  She was referring directly to the conversations and interactions that occurred while we were playing in the snow and then warming up inside by a roaring fire with hot cocoa and a variety of spirited discussions.  This sentiment, however, has been employed repeatedly to describe the emotional climate at DRC, and, was expressed perfectly by 17-year-old Chase in his DRC Voices profile – It feels like home and we are all like family here ...
 
The warm and inviting environment is immediately evident upon entering the Chill Space, which has been intentionally designed to look and feel like the comfiest room in any home.  It truly is the hub of DRC, where kids of all ages return time and again throughout the day to - eat, play, read, draw, plan activities, hold the rabbit and kittens, pet the dog, and most importantly talk and laugh.  They discuss everything from the most mundane to incredibly profound and back again.  The one commonality, within each exchange, is the underlying tone of kindness and respect for each other and their differing opinions.  And, if that falters in anyway, just like family, they remind each other – with just a few words. 

Beyond the comfort of the physical space, our students, from their very first day, become part of a cohesive group, who care deeply for each other. When someone is experiencing some form of crisis (big or small), without being prompted, they provide emotional support to each other by offering a hug or sometimes just sitting quietly with them. At times, they may not even know or fully understand the cause of the sadness. In addition, they recognize when someone is feeling challenged by a project, something academic, or daily life (such as: putting their boots on) and drop what they are doing to help out. ​​ 

Why do I contend that fostering a culture of kindness is the most important thing we do at DRC?
Picture
Our kids (students), quite simply, know, without a doubt, that they belong here – this is where they are accepted unconditionally, they can be themselves, their ideas are relevant, and they are important.  And, within that belonging, they are able to celebrate the unique genius of others.  Once their emotional needs have been satisfied – they can begin to dream about the future, discover their passions, define their goals, and positively shine with ambition. 
 
At DRC, we understand that struggling and hurting, alone, does not make anyone stronger; it only ensures isolation and pain. However, working together, collaboratively, not only assists that one troubled person, it builds a strong, compassionate, and dynamic community where everyone has a valuable role and feels like they belong.
Reminder:

DRC accepts applications for membership throughout the academic year.  If you feel this is the place where your child will thrive - please contact us to discuss the next steps.
0 Comments
    Don't miss a post!

    Sign-up here to get the DRC Blog delivered to your inbox.

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013

Picture
© 2023 Whole Learners, Inc. 501(c)3
Deep Root Center
48 Riverside Drive, Canton, NY 13617

​315*244*3034/maria@deeprootcenter.org
  • Home
    • Contact
    • Our Story
    • Testimonials
    • Guiding Principles
  • About Us
    • Consultations
    • DRC-Canton Summer Program
    • Canton Afternoon Program
    • DRC Calendar
    • Resources >
      • Liberated Learners Network
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Sponsor a DRC Kid
    • Thank you
    • Grant Funders & Sponsors
  • Blog