Autumn 2013 and the two boys have grown in the 6 weeks of attendance at the Clearwater School. Oliver was already wise and philosophical for an eight year old. He can always be relied upon for advice and sound opinion. He takes an active role in our family meetings and never ceases to impress. His communication style is engaging as he so thoughtful and reflective, giving deep insight into his experiences. As of late, he has become a true leader, opening new conversations, igniting them with his ideas. I attribute his quick growth to the school as he has taken on leadership opportunities there, and in his own way.
As I reflect over his changing behavior I see him becoming better at being Oliver, and less locked up inside. He seems more expansive. While at the public school his opinions were growing flat, and he could not get in touch with his feelings. His scientist, the label for his intuition, was all but dead; then on Halloween night he discovered his scientist was having a renaissance, and he was thrilled. For a parent this evolution is the goal, and we observe the trend daily.
Jordan, the three year old, did not like his previous school. He cried and felt sad there. With Clearwater, he can't get to school fast enough and gets angry when his ride shows up at midday. He has become a lightening bolt. What a force. He is crystal clear in his intentions and his execution. At this point, I do not foresee peer pressure being an issue, but let's see what happens after the hormones kick in. But for now the little Bull cannot be swayed, whether at home or at school. At the playground, he simply does not relent when it comes to the other kids moving in a crowd - he pulls himself away and follows his own voice. And though he loves the company of his friends, I see him very happy when he's alone playing. I attribute this to Clearwater as he has fully integrated into the school's culture.
Tying this back to the school, where the atmosphere is open, the boys are free to expand without constant instruction to sit down, stop this and that, and do this and that. Where's the room for self-exploration in public school? Granted, the Clearwater environment might make the average student feel insecure, but the 30% who appear to be self-forming would certainly be heartened here. Personally, it is deeply satisfying to see so much happiness and excitement around school. I read somewhere that the average child could learn the K-12 curriculum in a year, and it now seems so possible as the boys' minds are expanding like a balloon. Maybe that is the critical first step that is lacking in public schools? Simply allowing kids to set the agenda, set the recess, and be accountable must be empowering. Having all the age groups together is also crucial, as we witnessed at Oliver's Montessori school (adults are less effective teachers.)
It's been heart-warming to watch
