Week 19 1/26-2/1
When we signed on to this journey we were all told it would be messy and challenging. As parents, heroes, and guides, sometimes we find that it is more messy and more challenging than we expected.
From the Spark Studio:
From Miss Nina: I often watch the heroes play tetherball. They put everything they have into performing well. When they are victorious, I see their joy. When they are defeated, I see discouragement… and sometimes some tears. But they always seem to find the drive to come back and do it again. Life is full of highs and lows, and learning to bounce back from disappointment is a life skill. Even as the guide, I felt both extremes this week.
This week we started with a lot of excitement due to changes in the studio. The new set up allowed more students to work on language. New art and practical life works contributed to the excitement. We had some very productive work cycles!
I always strive to foster unity when I work with children. I love seeing these heroes’ friendships develop. During lunch the room is full of laughter. Sometimes I am perplexed by the simple things they find hilarious! …but I love seeing their smiles and the connections develop.
My discouragement came this week because while the giggling is wonderful in the right setting, there are times when it prevents us from getting the most out of our day. Individuals competing for attention often prevent the synergistic learning that comes from a united tribe. However, we are all on a hero’s journeys’, and it is the “road of trials” that leads to the “transformation”.
From the Elementary Studio
The Heroes directed and acted out the story of the Trojan war during civilization. Chaos, yes. Fun, yes. And if you ask, they can probably tell you the story!
From Kara: The heroes had multiple opportunities to take ownership of their decisions during quest time this week. I am so impressed with the maturity they exhibit as they hold one another accountable and even experience pain or discomfort due to others’ poor decisions. They are learning to concentrate their energy on the things they can control rather than wasting time blaming others. There were also many opportunities for teaching the Spark heroes this week.
From JeVonne: Working as a tribe is hard. I watched the heroes struggle to determine a more detailed standard for when and how to hold one another accountable this week. They have different perspectives and different expectations. Once they decided on a standard, holding one another accountable was even harder. Do you let friends off because they are your friends? What happens when you are held accountable and then someone else isn’t?
Working in a group is hard. What do you do when you feel like you have to do all the work in your group? How do you encourage and inspire other group members? What do you do when you feel like a group member is too controlling? What do you do when you feel overwhelmed and don’t now what to do? Do you give in to Mrs. Distraction and go play, or do you ask for help? Is it group member’s choice to not work, or do they have a responsibility to their squad?
Conflict resolution is hard. What emotion am I actually feeling? Should I share my frustrations in hopes the conflict gets resolved or keep them to myself in case a fellow traveler gets more upset? What should I do when I feel like crying and running away?
Watching heroes struggle with all these questions is hard. It is so tempting to step in with my standard. It is so tempting to step in and hold them accountable myself. It is so tempting to step in and solve the problem. It is so tempting to step in and fix it.
But as I step back rather than step in, the heroes have the opportunity to do the hard work that they signed up for. Creating and thriving in a civil society is challenging. Learning group dynamics and group roles is challenging. Learning to recognize emotions and communicate them clearly is challenging. Resolving conflict within yourself and with others is challenging. And yet, these are exactly the challenges that allow the heroes to develop the life skills that will help them succeed and live their dreams.
Yes, this learning model is not for the faint of heart. I am so grateful for the parents, guides and heroes who are brave and strong and not only signed up for this journey, but are sticking with it every day. Truly, I am surrounded by the strong in heart!