People Are All The Same—Year 2 Week 20 in Review
Civil Rights and Storytelling
Elementary Update
The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
-Martin Luther King Jr.
Elementary heroes studied the life and work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through videos that transported them back to the 1950’s, socratic discussions, and a storytelling assignment that made connections between their heroes journey to that of Dr. King. Our youngest heroes realized that they too can make a difference in the world, no matter their age. Each of them had a chance to share their dream for our world today, and how making that dream a reality fits into their own individual journey.
One of the most impactful moments was for heroes to express that people are all the same, and the violence and hate that occurred only led to sadness and hurt feelings. They were able to correlate those feelings to our studio and school. Several heroes joined forces to create a beautiful launch around bullying. Their talking points included: how it makes the “bullied” feel, how the “bully” feels, the effects it has on our studio as a whole, and what we can do to cultivate a culture of peace. Our civil society (studio) is learning to speak and stand in their truth, while upholding our contract and expressing freedom, peace, and love. What an amazing opportunity to engage your learner is questions about their hopes and dreams, and what it is you can do to help move them forward on their Hero’s Journey.
Middle School Update
We should abolish the death penalty. Poverty is the greatest factor in determining a population's health. Homework should be banned. Gun control measures should be a legislative priority. Fayette County needs to spend more money repairing roads. Severus Snape was an irredeemable character in Harry Potter. Making your bed is important. Schools should proactively teach students to be anti-racists. Animal testing is immoral.
This session, our Storytelling focus has been the art of argument. Learners were challenged to choose a topic they're passionate about, identify a real audience they wish to persuade, and find an outlet to submit their piece for publication. We've analyzed world-class op-eds, looked at formulas for writing persuasive essays and letters to the editor, and have hosted our own in-house debates on a number of issues. Now, learners are moving forward with their chosen topics, honing the craft of persuasion, and submitting their pieces for publication.
One goal is to learn how to argue and persuade well. Another, more important aim is to learn how to disagree well. A hero at The Forest School must truly work to master the lifelong skills required to live life alongside other people. One of these key skills is developing the cross-cultural competencies that civic discourse requires. We seek to have strong debate and disagreement in a way vastly different than is currently modeled in our highest levels of government. We can learn a lot from our middle schoolers on this.
High School Update
“Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk. Martin Luther King walked so Obama could run. Obama's running so we all can fly.” -Jay Z
This week began with the celebration and dedication to the one and only Martin Luther King, Jr. A huge thank you to all of those who have paved the way to make today better for all.
With quest work at the forefront, high school heroes continue to build out their murder mystery dinner with plot twists, secret messages, and a lot of turns. This will be a dinner you’ll never forget. Storytelling is the ability to display creativity through writing or visual work. Showcasing a narrative that encompasses ones truth, imagination, and gratitude for freedom of speech. This week heroes created a video that explains their understanding of what it means to truly live, as well as what it means to face death.
Malala Yousafzai once said, “Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Heroes ended their week with a continuation of the Human Trafficking civilization discussion. I remain astonished as the founding high schoolers continue to have tough and critical discussion on topics affecting people around the world.
-Onward
Have a great weekend!
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