by Cody Unger | Oct 24, 2024 | Daily life, Ideas, Pictures, Play
We all have cycles in our lives. At The Circle School, we know a better way to educate is one that works with these cycles, not against them. Each day on staff at The Circle School includes dozens of interactions with kids seeking me out. Sometimes it’s...
by Jim Rietmulder | Feb 8, 2018 | Ideas, Play, Public policy
Last week I traveled to Philadelphia to hear a talk by research psychologist Peter Gray, founder of the Alliance for Self-Directed Education. Dr Gray spoke at Philly Free School, which is, like The Circle School, a self-directed democratic school. Dr Gray starts from...
by Julia James | Feb 7, 2014 | Daily life, Pictures, Play
This doesn’t really require a narrative, right? Circle School kids are not unique in their love of snow, but they might be unique in how much time they get to play in it! Helpers Ashlin, Avery, Lexi, and Lucie sorted through pictures from 1984 through 2000ish...
by Joan Cramer | Jan 2, 2014 | Parenting, Play
This post is contributed by parent Joan Cramer, whose sons John and Graham have attended The Circle School since 2008. It’s catalog season again! I’m not much of a shopper, but this time of year I love to curl up with a cup of coffee and a thick stack of catalogs. I...
by Jim Rietmulder | Jun 2, 2013 | Play, Public policy
“Children are biologically predisposed to take charge of their own education.” So says psychologist Peter Gray in his recent new book, Free To Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better...
by Julia James | Jan 17, 2013 | Play, Public policy
Play is a hot topic these days, and every article I read on the subject reinforces for me the “rightness” of the Circle School experience. Here’s an article about the benefits of play, both social and “academic.” Enjoy. 🙂...