Before the Wonder Fades

Gratitude for early sunrises filtered through the rising mist.

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When DRC first opened in 2014, I told people the ideal age for a child to join was before 12. After that, we're fighting an uphill battle against school-induced trauma, the suppression of innate curiosity, and the apathy that follows. I've since revised that age down to 10.

The piece below, written eleven years ago, celebrates the boundless possibilities open to children who are eager to explore their interests and follow their imaginations. After years of spending my days alongside young people in this environment, I'm more convinced than ever: curiosity is the backbone of self-directed learning — and the place where real learning begins.

A Celebration of Curiosity 
May 4, 2015

Where do artistic, imaginative, or inventive ideas come from? And why does a particular concept ignite passion in one person while leaving another completely cold?

Curiosity, I believe, is the root answer to both questions. An inquisitive person sees the world as full of questions worth asking. That comfort with wondering — with not yet knowing — exponentially expands the possibilities for learning and engagement. And once engaged, the creative mind is unleashed: free to interact, invent, and explore the very things that first sparked their wonder.
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Creativity grows from the exploration of personal thoughts and ideas, grounded in an understanding of the world around us. It is hands-on, experimental, and often gloriously messy — because the only way to truly learn something, to carry it for life, is to do it.

Picture a child splashing happily in a mud puddle, sailing a twig-and-leaf boat. A child perched on a stool in the kitchen, carefully peeling apples alongside Grandpa as a pie takes shape. A girl who decides she wants to learn to weld and walks into a shop to ask for an apprenticeship. A teen so captivated by auto mechanics that they build their own derby car. These are the experiences that answer the questions waiting on the tip of every child's tongue — and the ones that stay with them for a lifetime.

So let's honor the people, environments, and spaces that celebrate curiosity — that fundamental starting point of all self-directed learning. Celebrate the person who sat patiently, listened to a child's questions, and offered paths to explore rather than simply handing over the answer. Appreciate the place that puts tools of all kinds within reach, for all ages. Thank your librarian, your local artist, and the professionals in your community who generously share what they know.
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When we show appreciation for those who understand that nurturing curiosity is the foundation of raising whole, creative, inventive kids, we are doing something larger than we might realize: we are building a vibrant, healthy community for those children to grow up in — one they will carry forward, and one day model for the generation that follows.

DRC News

Weekly Wrap-up

We love a calm Monday to ease us into the week. This one didn't disappoint. We spent tons of time outside soaking up the sun before the chilly weather returns. T made his family's favorite ham and cream cheese pinwheels for lunch with B's help. K&K got the DRC Little Free Library reinstalled on the new cement pad and bracket, and J helped refill it. E shared some delicious grape juice he brought with B. And, we took some photos for our annual memory book.

Yes, the DRC Little Free Library is back in business on a much sturdier base. Come on by to take or leave some books. 

Thank you to Logann Law for graciously hosting the DRC Crew on her farm on Thursday. We had a great time meeting the animals, playing with baby goats, and helping with chores. This field trip was made possible by the Badenhausen Grant through the Northern NY Community Foundation.

On Friday, we celebrated Chris’s Birthday! And, the day’s walk on the SUNY Canton trail included a bike ride.

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Seeking Volunteers

As alluded to in this week’s essay, fostering community connections is one of the most important pieces of what we do. We are seeking 8-10 volunteers who are excited about mentoring youth by sharing their interests and skills in our self-directed learning environment, two days each month. Contact us if this is something you would be interested in exploring. 

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Open Enrollment

Enrollment is open for the 26/27 academic year. We are here for those youth who want to follow their curiosity and imagination to explore new ideas within our supportive environment. Get in touch if this describes your child.

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Deep Root Center Exchange

We have started a Facebook group called DRC Exchange for homeschool families. This is a private group where parents can ask questions, offer suggestions, and find a supportive community with other homeschool families. Check it out today.