Over the past few weeks, every conversation (too many to count) I have had with folks seeking my help (either kids themselves or their adults) has included references to intimidation, fear-mongering, or just plain old shitty (disrespectful) attitudes and behaviors. None of these tactics are about helping - they are all a form of control to retain the status quo.

When educational professionals resort to a fear-based, pigeon-holing approach - as their go-to tool - not only do they create an intolerable environment for kids - but within that, they also lose their students' curiosity, creativity, desire to learn, and respect.

Each individual's narrative represents nothing short of trauma. When each of these instances is combined through a young person's schooling years, is it any wonder we have kids who are anxious, rebellious, depressed, apathetic, have no real sense of who they are, what they like, or where they are going, and absolutely hate learning?

As I see it, in the most simplistic terms possible, education should encourage and support young people to become the best possible version of themselves, while helping them realize their goals, and prepare them to live in society as responsible, thoughtful citizens.

Kindness and encouragement support growth - intimidation and pressure literally shut it down. We can do better for them and for us.

The long-awaited solar eclipse is coming up on April 8th this year, and considering we are located directly in the path of totality, one of the other Liberated Learners Centers - from Boston (possibly others) hopes to take a road trip to view it here. We are excited to host other self-directed learners and show them around our beautiful and beloved NoCo. We will keep you updated on the planning.

Both Centers had a short week due to the inclement weather. The Massena Center had drama around a heavily loaded bookshelf collapsing - therefore those book loving Peeps spent time rescuing their reading material and are represented by three photos of their bookshelves in this week's photo montage.

K was our cook for the day. Pizza was on the menu. He made the dough early in the day and was about to start the pizza-making process when D wandered in and asked, "Can I help? Then E, who was not far behind, came into the kitchen and said, "Me too." The answer was, of course, "Yes!"

The important part of this tale is that up until early this week, D had never volunteered to join the Cooking Crew. On Tuesday, we were making French Toast bake, he was at loose ends so I asked him if he would like to crack the eggs into the bowl. He said sure in a less than enthusiastic manner - but did it - gaining confidence with each successful "cracking."

Therefore, I was happy to see him volunteering to become part of the Cooking Crew on Friday. He had a great time spreading the dough, smoothing out the sauce, and very precisely dividing up the cheese. E was insistent on grating the cheddar - that has been his long-standing "job."

Then, as the pizzas headed to the oven, it was time for the weekly "cooks meeting" to create the menu for next week - D happily joined the crew. I had to step away to take a phone call, so H. F., our junior apprentice, led the meeting. After I hung up, I noticed that D was looking upset. I asked what the issue was - he had suggested an appetizer day on the menu for Thursday, and another kid shot his idea down. We all worked it out by switching a few things around based on what we had in the cupboards and freezer so that D could have his appetizer day.

This kid went from total disinterest and ambivalence about joining the cooking crew to taking ownership in three days!

Just one more of many stories and milestones to celebrate!

P.S. The younger child, in the top photo collage, who was watching them spread the out dough is hopefully our next volunteer cook. He has shown interest over the past week as his buddies successfully took on more responsibility making our lunches. You will likely see his story documented as it evolves.

We have a ton of Magic the Gathering cards at both Centers - none of our current kiddos know how to play.
We are looking for folks who do and would be excited to come in to either Center to help sort the cards with the kids into decks and teach them the basic concepts of the game. 
Alternatively, we are also looking for volunteers who could facilitate a Dungeons & Dragons club.

And finally our week in photos - from both Centers

,Over the last few weeks, I've had a few frustrating situations related to explaining Deep Root Center and self-directed learning that, when looked at closer, were all closely linked to communication issues.

My neurodivergence offers a quandary - I don't always process verbal instructions or conversation easily or quickly (when the speaker has an accent or speech impediment, it is even more difficult). I have to check back to make sure I heard not only the words correctly but the tone as well.

I also do not always comprehend written communication as it is intended - whether it is reading the words in the wrong order, totally misreading a word (replacing with a similar one or one that begins with the same letter), trying to understand a message that has missing or misspelled words, getting overwhelmed by the sheer amount on a page (long paragraphs and pages chock full of text kill me), or again misinterpreting the tone.

There are a few hacks that I rely on to process information in most situations to minimize confusion. In my case, slowing down and taking time to ask questions, with a conscious effort, in the moment - and then using multiple modalities when there isn't a sense of immediacy is how I survive - a little bit of everything usually gets the intended message through.  

To add to the list of difficulties, when engaged in face-to-face or phone conversations, besides the processing issue, I stumble over my words, get distracted, have trouble recalling a term, or simply can't remember what I was going to say because my brain is always going six times faster than my mouth can get the words out. And because of all the above, getting interrupted shuts me down - completely.

My personal experiences are why I try to state things in multiple ways, using different modalities so that other people with processing difficulties (or who speak English as their non-native language) will find a version they understand.  

I am a writer. I am most comfortable and can clearly express myself when sitting in front of my laptop in a quiet space with plenty of time to play with words and get my thoughts into a cohesive, understandable form. Therefore, it will always be my first choice when my message is important.

Phone conversations are a necessary part of what I do (speaking with families interested in our services or talking with kiddos to get info to write their learning plans). I need to be in a quiet space where I won't be interrupted and can have my speakerphone on. Even then, I have to clarify frequently. Sometimes, it takes me a while after hanging up to process and fully comprehend what they said, and often realize that I forgot an important point.

This is why I wrote the pamphlet to explain the process of home-schooling and self-directed learning. Trying to describe how DRC works with in-depth examples of what self-directed learning looks like - several times a day - when folks don't fully understand is beyond exhausting. I needed something for them to refer back to after the initial conversation.

In the near future, I plan to also create a video version for those who have difficulty digesting the written form. Again, in keeping with the multi-modality theme.

Even though I find them tiring - I would never want to miss out on our daily conversations at the Center. They are all important, a few are casual observations, some deadly serious, and others are supremely hilarious - we learn multitudes from each other every day and laugh a lot in the process.

The topics are endless and all based on what these kiddos are into - at the moment. I am simply one more participant in some of these conversations. When I do chime in, the kids have become familiar enough with my speech style - stumbling, interrupting myself to clarify, losing track of what I was saying…, they usually understand my point. But if they don't, they are comfortable asking what I mean. As am I when I don't quite get what they are saying.

There is something to be said for building a cozy, safe environment where asking for clarification and offering support are the norm. And where it is recognized that none of us are dumb or stupid - we all have (or are working on) a variety of methods to understand the world around us.

It is acknowledged, even within that comforting, supportive space - feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from struggling to process the world, so it makes sense, is most definitely a thing. Sometimes, a long hug is a perfect remedy - other times, some of us require a few days of quiet and solitude to recover, reflect, and plan our next creative adventure.

Which is exactly what I will be doing this long, snowy weekend.

May you find the time and space to do the same.

The crews at both Centers had plenty of exploits this past week.

Yesterday, January 6th, marked Deep Root Center's 10th Birthday. Yes, I know - this date will always have other (unmentionable) unsavory energy attached. Nonetheless, we are observing this milestone with all the acclaim it deserves.

The following (revised a bit) is what I shared on our social media platforms yesterday:

Happy 10th Birthday to us! On January 6th, 2014, DRC started with one kiddo in a single room that was dingy and cold, without internet. That first month - we debated what we wanted more - WiFi or a reliable heat source. Internet was always the clear winner - as we huddled around our computers next to a tiny space heater, typing with gloves and bulky coats.

Today, we have two Centers - that are heated, with WiFi, and so much more - and over 40 kids who call DRC their educational home. They bring so much life, energy, and meaning to everything we do. We also support local youth to home-school on their own through our consultation services - over 50 kids - so far this year.

There have been some pretty lean moments when I honestly thought there was no way to survive - but we never wavered in our knowledge that DRC is a needed resource in the community. With that conviction and the help of our amazingly generous community, we are here to stay for another ten years - dedicated to keeping our promises and supporting the kids of the NoCo who want to join us.

This celebratory post would not be complete without bowing in gratitude to the many folks who have contributed to our success over these ten years:

1. My family - their unquestioning support of this crazy (totally bonkers) idea (passion) that takes up all of my time and energy and their willingness to share their skills and talents whenever I requested them
2. The Liberated Learners crew - When I was searching for the “thing” I wanted to build - you all were there with the perfect plan and unbelievable support system.
3. The wonderfully wise and compassionate people who have sat on our board over the years
4. A toast to our incredible staff - at both Centers - who go above and beyond every single day (Here's to you - Chris & Karen)
5. All of our kiddos and their families (too many to count) - showing up as their authentic, awesome selves, open to exploring all of the possibilities each day
6. The landlords over the years who worked with us to reduce rental fees and put up with our "chaos."
7. The Peeps who made it possible for us to purchase 48 Riverside Dr. in Canton
8. The generous Grantors, Sponsors, and Donors who have kept money coming into our bank account at just the right moments
9. Our incredible communities - who embrace us as one of their own - with wholehearted acceptance

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor!

Both Centers are back from Holiday Break and in full swing: