The Learning Zone will include the following:

• There will be minimal instruction time, mainly for math and english

• Self-directed projects with guidance from one of our mentors

• Meditation

• Exercise/movement of child’s choice

• Current world events

• Art (music, dance, painting, drawing, poetry, performing arts)

• Mindfulness and healthy living

• Critical thinking

• Nature discovery

• Back to basics living skills

• Financial literacy

• Techology

• Pursuit of Individual Interests with guidance if needed

Babies and toddlers arrive one by one around 8 am. As they are dropped off, we make sure that each child is calm and happy. We play soothing music in the background and the room is visually inviting. For most of the morning, it’s free play. Toddlers take turns playing with toys. Some toys will make noise, some won’t. Since we will have intimate knowledge of each child, we will know what toys are more appropriate for each child. They get personal attention and based on their own feeding schedules, they will be fed. We will keep their feeding and sleeping schedules closest to what they do at home. Some will take naps during the morning, so we will allow for that.

Close to 11, the children will be taken outside. Either they go for a walk in strollers, or they will spend time outside in the backyard. Fresh air and movement will ensure good appetite at lunch and a peaceful rest during nap time in the afternoon. Kids who cannot or won’t sleep, will be in a separate room for quiet play with soothing music. After the naptime, we will follow through with the feeding schedule and allow for more free play.

What’s most important at this age is that each baby/toddler gets lots of personalized attention, love and a peaceful atmosphere. Stability is also important, so schedules will be consistent as much as possible.

Kids arrive around 8:30. Once the day begins, kids will sit wherever they want, floor or chairs and we will guide them through some breathing and stretching exercises in order to get them to relax. Whatever their morning was before they got there, will melt away. They will be relaxed and ready for the day. Once they are done with the breathing and stretching exercises, we will form a circle for a sharing exercise. They can, but don’t have to, share anything that bothers them or anything they are struggling with. This exercise will help build empathy and provide safe space. The kids who share will be protected by the guide. The guide will ensure that the child is not ridiculed, or made to feel bad. It will be more about how we can help the child, and other kids will be part of this process.

After the sharing circle, academics can begin. Classes will be short but focused and limited to 2 hours per day.. Then self-directed learning will follow. There will be breaks, where kids move around freely in the classroom or in the backyard. Around lunchtime, there will be a creative corner, where kids can dabble in any art they wish, including music, performing arts, poetry, visual arts, etc. This will help the guide learn more about the child and the child to learn more about him or herself. After lunch there will be some sort of movement. The guide will introduce different sports, but as they get older, they will be able to choose their own movement and they will be able to take care of their own bodies. The last class of the day will be a project that the kids work on. It would be something they want to work on, there will be class discussions, critical thinking elements, discovery, research and exploration. In first grade it will be guided by the guide, but as the kids learn more and become more independent and more comfortable, they will have more freedom on these projects.

Homework will be optional; it will be encouraged for students who chose to practice. Extra work may be given to students who want more challenges in order for them to develop at their own natural pace. They end at 2:30.

Kids come in at 9 am. We start with meditation. Meditation is followed by vulnerability circle. We will discuss personal problems, but also bring in topics that are relevant to teenagers. We can anticipate and prepare kids for problems that may arise, so when they do, these kids will know that it’s a natural part of life. This way they don’t need to feel isolated. Academic classes will be 45 minutes long and would be limited to 2 classes per day. Movement will be before lunch and they will choose their own form of exercise to the extent the school is equipped for it. During and after lunch Arts will take over. They will have a chance to try new art forms, but if they love one specific form, they will have a chance to focus on that. The last part of the day will be a project they work on. Each student gets to choose his/her project and whether he/she wants to work in a group or wants to work alone. Some kids are introverts by nature and they should have the ability to lose themselves in a project. The project will be supervised by the appropriate guide and it will provide the students with an opportunity to learn, research, think critically, and eventually to present their projects. The environment will be peaceful, friendly, and embracing. Guides will challenge the kids to do better, persevere, work hard and take risks while they allow for curiosity, provide care and support.

Homework will be optional; it will be encouraged for students who need more practice. Extra work may be given to students who want more challenges in order for them to develop at their own natural pace.

They end the day at 3.

Compassion, empathy, love, inclusion, acceptance, love, gratitude, caring, kindness, mindfulness, self-love, self-worth, individuality, creativity, freedom, generosity, courage, respect for self and others, honesty, grit