Young people today will need to succeed in a very different world than any we’ve known so far. Today’s children need space to develop their social, cultural and emotional intelligence, to connect with a sense of purpose, to create, self-direct, collaborate, and adapt. They need space, support, encouragement and scaffolding to grow– without unnecessary interference - and the inspiration of a collaborative community as they make their way.

The future is in the hands of the deliberate community builders, creative problem-solvers and daring change-makers.

This is why Wildwood exists.

At Wildwood you will see: 

RESPECT: We value the human rights of all people, including children. We believe that all people–and children are people–have a right to self-determination and freedom.

TRUST: At Wildwood, relationships are built on trust in ourselves, each other and the community. We take young people seriously. We trust & empower kids to be leaders of their own learning and caring, contributing citizens who can succeed in an ever-changing world. We believe education has more to do with children’s natural desire for autonomy and self-empowerment, than the imposing of a certain educational agenda.

CONSENT: We actively discuss, model and practice consent with each other. Any activities, requests or community limits on behavior are clear, transparent, and consented to. 

UNLIMITED TIME TO PLAY, EXPLORE AND BE OUTSIDE: Studies show that play is deeply involved in child development and learning: Play improves memory, creative problem solving, and self-regulation. Adults in our culture often assume that it is their job to keep children constantly busy. But children must learn how to direct their own life, and for that to happen they need great amounts of free time—to make friends, explore, play, get bored and overcome boredom. They need time for fleeting interests and to immerse themselves deeply in activities that engage their passions. They also need space—to roam, explore, be in nature and experience the sense of independence and power.

SELF-DIRECTION: Humans are natural learners. When children get to play and follow their passions, they engage deeply, learning more quickly and thoroughly – covering years of content in weeks at the time they choose to learn it. The deepest learning happens when people are free to pursue their own interests. There are no tests, grades, or required curriculum at Wildwood. Classes/Workshops/Deep-dives are interest based and provided by those within our group and in the larger community.

AGILE LEARNING TOOLS:  We use adaptable tools and practices borrowed from the 21st century Agile Management/Software world to help individualize learning within the context of an intentional community. These tools and practices provide visible feedback, effective self-management, clarity of purpose, and instead of rigid top-down rules, they allow for easy integration of new patterns as needed.

AGE MIXING: At Wildwood, we do not separate people based on age/grade. All community members have a chance to learn from each other, regardless of age. A mixed age setting allows for authentic leadership development and the spontaneous formation of mentoring relationships that support the maturation of both mentor and mentee. Age mixing also allows for nurturing relationships between older and younger children, and is an effective anti-bullying strategy. At Wildwood, people are drawn together by common interests and play styles which research indicates benefits physical, intellectual, and social/moral development of all parties.

CARING ADULTS AS PARTNERS AND HELPERS, NOT JUDGES: At Wildwood, adult facilitators work to provide maximum support with minimal interference. Young people feel more at ease and free to seek support from helpful adults who are not focused on evaluating, praising or criticizing. We create helpful structures, practices, and environments without making decisions for young people or managing their processes for them. We uphold safety, facilitate learning in partnership-based way, and develop authentic relationships with young people. Facilitators show up as knowledgeable helpers, guides and supporters who learn from, and alongside, kids.

INTENTIONAL CULTURE CREATION: Children learn more from the environment/culture they are immersed in than from the content they are taught. We value conscious culture creation that balances the needs of the community with the needs of the individual. At Wildwood, everyone participates in the co-creation of community practices and healthy culture, and everyone has a meaningful voice in decision making. We are a place where young people learn to genuinely care for one another and for the community itself. Everyone is involved in making and upholding the community agreements and in this process kids hear all sides of every disagreement and the moral and logical arguments related to it. Their own views are taken seriously by others and influence the community’s decisions, which motivates them to think more deeply about those views than they otherwise might. As social creatures, we thrive in this kind of vibrant community which builds our confidence, heightens our communication and perspective taking skills, and calls forth our best selves.

AWARENESS/ACTIVISM and SAFE SPACE MAKING: We uplift the voices and identities of young people while deepening their sense of social awareness. We actively work to name and disrupt racism, classism, ageism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of oppression. We are committed to creating a safe space that is a reflection of our wider community including race, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical abilities, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

Intention

At Wildwood, we discern and articulate what we want to do, individually and as a group. Morning meetings are a space where we plan and share the available offerings for that week. Offerings are displayed on daily schedule boards and include any workshops, special topics, focus groups, classes, projects etc. offered by volunteers, subject matter experts, facilitators, parents and the kids themselves! There is no limit to what will be offered, and kids always have the choice to participate. Each person has the opportunity to share their personal intentions for what they hope to do that day and make any needed requests for support.

Creation/Action

During the day, the magic of self-directed learning unfolds! Children choose what to engage in and when: they create, explore, invent, collaborate, play, participate in chosen offerings/outings, eat when they are hungry, go outside when they want to and receive support from facilitators as needed.

Reflection

At the end of each day, children gather in small groups to reflect on the day. Documentation tools can be used to self-assess, notice patterns in use of time, and plan for the future.