This is kind of what's happening at work lately.
I admit that my enthusiasm for planning events at our Free School, I CAN, has, well, been curbed somewhat in the preceding months.
When I announce, "Let's plant a vegetable garden!"
I hear, "How long will THAT take?"
When I prepare an adventure-based field trip, "Let's go rafting in Gunma!"
I get, "Not interested."
So I try to turn the tables: "So, what do YOU guys want to do??"
"Whatever."
It is sometimes hard to stay motivated when your surrounding environment is so, well, unmotivated.
Here are some thoughts: Maybe I should just LET the freeschoolers have their relax time. Don't pressure them to do the things that I think are good for them. Like I tell the parents: You don't have to hold expectations.
The question that has been with me since I CAN started is this: How much of a "kick in the ass" is good for kids, and how much is too much?
Okuchi Keiko and the Tokyo Shure gang seem to think that kids programs should be 100% kid-centered, with no adult curriculum set, no expectations, no pressure.
While this appeals to the lazy side of myself, I am not sure kids do their best with NO expectations.
This topic needs more thought and more discussion. Feel free to comment.
Charlie.
7/25/2007
What if we gave a party and no body showed up?
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