Rocket Rundown
March 2, 2020
Theme of the Week: "Unschooling"
Have you ever heard of the term “unschooling?” I hadn’t until a few years ago when, in my intellectual travels (insert joke here about the brevity of the trip), I came across an article about former teacher John Holt’s research from the 1970’s. He coined the radical term “unschooling” to express that learning happens all the time and in all places we go – naturally – and is actually stifled by an education system which generally requires kids to be boring, compliant “think-alikes.”
Some of Holt’s “unschooling” principles are that:
1. We are meant to be lifelong learners.
2. We can learn from infinite, naturally occurring sources like people, surroundings, music, art, experiences, etc.
3. We need to take ownership of our own learning.
4. Learning is always ours for the taking.
If you read much of the work of more modern educational gurus, it makes you wonder if Holt’s “unschooling” theory, like plaid shorts, skinny ties, button up sweaters and Pac Man, has come back into style. Many people sort of buy into Holt’s theory – they home school their children, or they place less value on formal schooling and standardized testing than they do on other more experiential learning opportunities. Many unique schools have sprung up whose mission is to do the same.
Me? I’m not sure how a nation of “unschoolers” would look – I can picture a bunch of kids aimlessly wandering the earth looking for meaning like Kwai Chang Caine in the TV show Kung Fu. But there are elements of truth to Holt’s theory, and as is so often the case, the truth we can learn from is somewhere in the middle. We do learn at least as much from experience as we do in school, and we learn best when we are turned-on, passionate and CURIOUS about something.
But there’s a lot to be learned from formal schooling, too. And public schools today have evolved greatly from Holt’s 70’s when, for example, my very own 3rd grade teacher regularly put my desk in the hallway because, as she so eloquently put it, I had “ants in my pants (If you are too young to recall the expression, it meant I was a tad too energetic – it had nothing to do with actual pants…or ants for that matter).”
Either way, our students are at school today. They are not “unschoolers.” They will go from room to room taking direction from many different adults. What can you do to be different from the others? What can you do to incite curiosity? Knowing the people we have here, if we focus on making things relevant and meaningful for our students, we may just be the one school creative and talented enough to “unschool” at school.
Have a great week, and show your students what true learning is all about.
Looks Like I Wasn't the Only One!
Tip / Strategy of the Week
So with "unschooling" as our theme this week, I submit the following reminder: As you plan, don't just think about covering the necessary material. REALLY give some thought to how an 11-14 year old kid will receive what you are teaching. Not everything you do has to be fun and interactive, but always try to mix in things that are likely to generate interest in our students.
After all, if kids aren't engaged, they aren't likely to truly learn the material. This is one of the strategies Mr. Carlson and I will continue to look for as we observe classes.
Important Reminders for the Week Ahead
1:00 - Student of the Month Celebration (Office Conference Room)
Tuesday
Half day for students / PD for Staff (Please see schedule attached below)
Thursday
2:30 - First ever Unified Basketball Team Practice
Friday
2:30 - Faculty vs. AMS Basketball Teams - Let's Go!!