Non-Coercive Environment

A non-coercive environment where people follow their interests is the hallmark of self-directed education. There is no prescribed curriculum or grand plan. Each child, with unique interests and aspirations, determines what they will explore each day. Curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery through play are celebrated.

But if kids play all day, what are they learning?

This question comes up often because play is considered frivolous while work is honored. If it isn’t hard you aren’t “doing” anything and it certainly isn’t worth your time.

We know that being forced to learn something that holds no interest through rote exercises does not guarantee that it is retained. Studies indicate compulsory exercises in memorization of colors, shapes, letters, etc., at a young age (preschool) are detrimental and hinder later learning. But the same also goes for the rest of us. If something is not enjoyable, stressful, or painful – our brains have a mechanism that shuts it down.

Learning is natural. Kids want to learn. The best way we (adults) can flat-line any learning experience is to butt in and make it a “teachable moment.”

Back to the question - what are they learning if we don’t provide a structured compulsory curriculum?

• Independence – the desire to take on new things and make the discoveries on their own through trial and error. Mistakes become part of the process, not something to fear.
• Problem-solving skills and flexibility - when you understand that everything is a process and that creativity and open-mindedness are the sharpest tools in your toolbox – problem-solving becomes second nature.
• Cooperation – learning to give and take so the game (or whatever you are doing together) can continue.
• Resilience – this also goes back to enjoying the process. Although it may appear that a child is flitting from one activity to the next, and it looks (and feels) chaotic – they are gathering data and storing the information from each experience to go back and figure out the next step. Most kids have an obsession or two over their childhood. When given the opportunity, they will explore that subject until they have it nailed and are ready to move on. This leads to understanding on a deep level.
• Life-long curiosity – when learning is fun, you never run out of questions and will always have the desire to know more.

These attributes will allow anyone to gather the essential information they need to thrive - in this world. And what one person considers necessary is not universal. At the core of this philosophy is that we celebrate each unique individual with their remarkable skills, talents, interests, and needs.

Next week, I will discuss adults and their role in a self-directed learning environment.

DRC News

More good news on the fundraising front: Thank you to American Legion Post #79 in Massena for their $500 donation to support our kids.

The Oct. 28th Jamboree is coming together! You will see "blurbs" about it in local papers and events pages. Besides amazing live music performed by local legends, we will have a Halloween fun zone for the kids with games, toys, face-painting, arts & crafts, and treats. Costumes are welcome! 

This is a fundraising event with donations accepted at the door. There will be a silent auction, food concession, 50/50 raffle, bake sale, and a craft fair featuring items from our Etsy Store creators.

Please plan on joining us at the Canton VFW!

A few photos from this week: