It's the last week of the school year, and what a year it's been, hasn't it?! We have all suffered and grown so much. I feel beaten and battered and curious and optimistic. The end of the school year always has me going through a period of mourning, barely tempered by the thoughts of some time off. This year, the kids are each having a turn picking what favorite place they'd like to go on each of the last days, rather than our usual group vote. It feels festive and they're loving the sense of ownership over the day. We're also going to have pizza delivered to the park on the last day! How are you doing? Feel free to be in touch to let me know.

"Well, good morning, Captain. Well, good morning to you."

We got to watch "Nameless Joe" eat some breakfast!

Resources

Anji Play

Over the years, I have learned to step back and let children learn on their own, whether individually or as self-formed groups. An entire educational revolution is happening in Anji, China, and teachers step back to allow play to happen while they document it. While many of the methods differ from mine, the spirit remains the same. I often think of what other of their methods I may incorporate into my own, and also reflect upon why I may not. It's a lot of food for thought, and I appreciate one of my mentors in pushing me to learn more. Here's a video that's less than five minutes long if you're interested in learning more:

Each at their own pace and in their own way. Some choose to stay on the trail with me, some choose to wait for the slower ones so they can run.

Flexischooling

Flexischooling is a term more commonly used in the UK, but in the US parents became used to a similar concept this year: hybrid.

Outside School offers the perfect opportunity to start or continue flexischooling as many have experienced this year!

Here’s a resource to start your research into the possibility:

https://www.personalisededucationnow.org.uk/why-do-families-flexischool/?fbclid=IwAR2IIqKEM8JuKTQhf2yx7klW5dpTSiqZKFHcfirhUHyy4vVNSH5JrOEnAO0

Ways I support this include daily documentation in the form of a few photos and stories sent to families that you could forward to classroom teachers to show how learning is taking place away from them, sharing a drive with you each month that includes copious photos and videos, and a roster on google drive that can be shared with the other instructor(s).

Community

Do you drink coffee? Do you like local business? Have you checked out Catahoula Coffee yet??? My mechanic turned me on to them, as he's a fellow client. I feel like their Berkeley cafe's a fine babysitter for me as I wait for my car to get fixed down the road... Keeping me going on wifi and endless refills on the initial $2 investment. Their other location is in Richmond, pretty close to the park! Their "meet the team" page is a riot compared with most:

https://www.catahoulacoffee.com/team

East Bay Regional Parks hosted a press conference regarding the sudden tree die-off we've seen. Here's a link to it and a FAQ sheet if you're interested:

https://www.ebparks.org/civica/press/display.asp?layout=11&Entry=667

We discovered a hidden tree swing!

Enrollment

I'm enrolling for the 2021 - 2022 school year!

Outside School is located in beautiful Alvarado Park. It’s 100% outdoors for no more than eight K - 12 children.

It’s Tuesday through Thursday (9:00 - 3:00), allowing child(ren) time for their academics as part of your own homeschool program, independent study, or hybrid/flexischooling.

For a lot more information and an application, please visit www.outside.school.

Sending you a ton of love, and a hope for a good mix of summer sun 'n' fog.

Take care,

Heather

* Feel free to forward to anyone you like!