Sometimes we just have to sit on our hands and observe. The following is a great example of how education can provide autonomy and inspire deep learning. This account was written by our wonderful teacher, Julia McGarey.

“Dungeons and Dragons: This has been such a powerful experience for all of the kids. I know that one student had wanted to play D&D at Knowledge Seekers for a while, but a particular student made that happen in a way that I know I couldn’t have. He was able to make a very complex game accessible for a group of kids with varying degrees of pre-existing knowledge. It really gave him a chance to shine, and it opened up a whole new realm of storytelling, math (lots of probability involved!), and friendship. It even created an avenue to incorporate our newest student into the group.

Thinking back on last year’s activities, I realized that D&D came into our world around the same time the kids started working on the play last year. Maybe it’s the approach of the holidays, or maybe there’s a sweet spot of having been together for a couple of months, but there’s definitely a trend of going all in on something imaginative and collaborative at this time of year. For both projects, I’ve found myself reflecting on a grade-level (4th/5th) training I did as a Girl Scout leader. At one point, the woman leading the training said that the best thing you can do as a leader at this level is to sit on your hands. It is easier said than done, but such a helpful reflection point for deep interests like this. I tried to offer an extension at one point, but they didn’t find it helpful or relevant. As we move forward, I expect that my main role, as far as D&D is concerned, will be to help them balance it with other experiences and opportunities.”

At Knowledge Seekers, we are guides to the learning process. I am so proud of what Julia and I have created.

Cully Community Arts: is offering 20% off with the code KNOWLEDGE20. CCA is a NE Portland community art space offering private studio spaces for local creatives and classes for students of all ages looking to improve their skills or try something new in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Whether you’re a professional maker looking to grow your business, a casual creative looking for friends to share inspiration with, or a parent looking for a way to use the time between breakfast and nap, there’s a place for you in our community. Take a look at their offerings. https://www.cullycommunityarts.com

Ethos Music: Founded in 1998 in Portland, Oregon, Ethos is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides music lessons, multicultural performances, summer camps, and outreach to over one thousand students each year.

Ethos believes that all kids deserve access to the benefits of music education. We offer sliding scale music lessons and classes from our headquarters in North Portland, and facilitate music outreach programs for students in Oregon’s historically marginalized rural and urban areas.
Please visit ethos.org for more information, call us at (503) 283-8467, or email info@ethos.org. We’d love to be in musical community with you!

Multnomah County Library: Did you know that the library has so, so many free events? Just to list a few: GED tutoring, Book Babies, art, small business classes, language groups, tech drop-in, and more. Not to mention, they are an amazing resource for homeschooling in general. https://multcolib.org/events-classes

📅 March 7th | 10–1 PM | NE Portland

Get ready for SO many resources! 🎉

✨ Micro schools
✨ Charter schools
✨ Art, science, music…
✨ Animals.

✨ Presentations

🎩 Magic & Illusion Performance by The Historical Conjurer Professor DR Schreiber
🕛 12:00 PM

This is a great opportunity for families to explore learning options and connect with amazing community resources.

👉 Details here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATFeS2tWt/
📣 PLEASE SHARE!

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