How to make kids happy? ... Let them play

     The kids have been at their new school now for a little over 2 weeks and there are many difference between the school they came from and the one here. As I think over those differences I can just hear the variety of responses(and eye rolling) from my friends and family. We all value different things, science, art, math, music.. our interests lie in different areas and we hold the ones we are good at as more important than others. I would say I love reading and art while Michael believes that if the kids are not superior in math they will never hold a real job. Perhaps I can not argue his point since I currently don't work. lol
    That being said before the kids could even begin here we had to attend a mandatory meeting with the deputy principal so she could explain the differences between the learning style we came from and the one we were about to enter. As we set in the office she explained to me and Michael that this school DOES NOT focus on skill and drill but on conceptual learning. Unlike their school in Texas there would be no grades, no official report cards, and the kids would not even be taking test. She explained that most people are fine with the concept until you come to learning math and then they insist that with out skill and drill and testing the concepts can not be learned. Also, they do not assign homework. In fact they believe the effects of homework are more negative than positive and ultimately degrade home life. Believe me I am all for no homework, especially for elementary aged children  So we both agreed to the terms and conditions of the new school and they began class the following day.
    So far they absolutely love it. They have never really looked forward to going to school, but now they do some of the things they love.....
-2 Recess times, one is 45 min the other 15
-No lines
-They are allowed to move about the room as the please unless the teacher is talking
-Eli gets his own macbook
-No homework of course
- In music each student is given and instrument that they can take home and practice on
- In gym they do activities such as plate spinning, juggling etc..
-Oliver has a class period outside in a garden everyday (yesterday they built a snow fort)
   
      They play outside daily no matter the weather snow, wind or rain the kids still go out and play. I know there would be days in Texas the teachers would keep them inside if it was fifty degrees! It will be seven degrees here this Friday and they will still play outside! By far the kids are enjoying the two recess times the most. I know they are at school to learn but they are still kids. Play time is important and I think a little undervalued in the states where the focus in on "the test."
     Altogether they seem to have much more freedom within reason at the new school and because of the little freedoms they enjoy going. At first we were concerned over the differences in the learning styles but we decided that it was similar to the gifted classes Michael and I had in elementary school which were puzzle and activity based as opposed to work sheets etc.
   Right now we are all pleased with the school! This may change over time and it has occurred to us that when they come back to the states they are in for another big adjustment as they return to the Texas public school system.
   I do not think there is only one way to learn and I look forward to watching the kids growth in this new setting... to be continued