We are calling what we offer courses, like they are in Adult Education. As supporters of self-directed education we do not force children to “Stay On Task” so if a child goes off on a tangent we will let them. We will also be using books and accessible supplies so the kids know that they can be independent with their learning.
three session
We offer “courses” where kids come for three sessions on three consecutive weeks. We run the same programme one day a week during school hours (10 until 2:45) on Mondays and one afternoon a week (3:15 until 5:30) Thursdays. The first session is to introduce the idea and look at possibilities, the second to start working on the project having had time to revise the idea… and the third, like knitting, to firmly loop into the concepts – which can lead on to other ideas and projects…
Note: Your kid doesn’t need to come to all three sessions. The sessions are just when there will be a focus on the skills needed to bring this kind of project to life either by direct instruction, videos, and supplied books etc. These kids of projects also often need time! They are welcome to come and work on projects started in these sessions during drop in sessions. After-school drop in sessions will need to be booked as spaces are limited and this is how I am paying the rent!
term course
Some projects need a longer time to work on. Not just the physical act of making but the further possible applications of a project. The bit where you are able to use the concepts creatively and to innovate. Time to leave the idea and come back to it especially when you are working with others and getting the feel for them as well. We run a term long course during the day on Wednesday (10 till 2:45), and an afterschool one (3 till 5:30) on Tuesday.
Note: This is like a one day school during school hours however although we will spend a period of time talking about the ideas/concepts (by direct instruction, experimentation, conversation, books, videos etc) behind what the course is about the kids are free to engage in this project how they wish to and to spend time doing whatever projects that engage them – be it games etc. (we’ve discovered game mashing!). After school sessions will need to be booked due to limited spaces.
drop in
Working with others on a self chosen project, which can be just what happened that day with who happened to be there is a work out for all those ‘soft’ skills people actually need! Finish stuff started in courses… ask for assistance
We mean these to be days when kids can meet, not at someone’s house but at a place they own, where they could meet someone who shares a common passion. A place where you might find someone who could help you with some of your own work. Even just a place to do Te Kura work… or read!
Drop in sessions during the day will be from 10 till 2:45 Tuesday and from 1 till 2:45 on Thursday.
Note; Afterschool drop in/off sessions happen on Monday and Wednesday from 3:15 until 5:30 and must be booked due to limited spaces. Like afterschool programmes these will have a fee by the hour.