Weekly Rhythms

We believe in mixed-age learning environments, free play and using the community as a classroom. The Reggio Emilia idea that the environment/space is the third teacher resonates with us as we intentionally curate the community center. We draw tools from a variety of recognized sources but ultimately we are an agile learning center. The Cottonwood program has space for 15 kids ages 3-12 and is supported by 2 creative facilitators.

Facilitators support learners as they begin to direct their days based on specific interests. We recognize the importance of rhythm and facilitate an environment that empowers learners to follow their curiosity, develop and cultivate skills, and take ownership over their learning. For children 5 and under, please see the readiness page at https://www.cottonwoodalc.org/readiness

Kids are naturally self-directed learners; at Cottonwood we give them the space, tools, time and support they need to learn through discovery. Weekly rhythms are as follows:

MORNING RHYTHMS

  • Community Caretaking and Setting the Day

    • We start the day by taking care of the space and each other before gathering to set the day. During this time learners declare personal intentions and make requests for the support they may need in fulfilling their intentions or completing projects. The morning meeting is where we review offerings and opportunities and sketch out the week. This is also when we schedule trips, classes or group activities, and any other projects that require some group coordination.

  • Scholarship Work Period

    • This is our academic work period. Each learner’s plan will include work in diverse areas of study using mastery-based tools. The type of scholarship work pursued depends on the age of the learner and our wide range of curated tools and programs making independent learning possible.

  • Scholarship Work (continued for older learners) and Snack Table Opens

    • While our elementary learners will continue working on scholarship the younger learners will transition to more play-based offerings.

  • Class Offering or Genius Hour Projects

    • Regular class offerings and consistent pursuit of an intention round out the morning.

  • Lunch and Outdoor Adventure

    • All learners bring healthy lunches to Cottonwood. We gather as a community to share meals and then head outdoors (regardless of the weather) for an adventure.

      AFTERNOON RHYTHMS

  • Quiet Reading or Mindfulness

  • Open Studio or Longterm Project Work

    • The afternoon is spent working on learner-directed project work.

  • Community Caretaking and Reflections

    • Our community shows great respect for our space and makes cleanliness a priority. Our mantra is to “make it beautiful for the next person.” Each learner has a job that they typically do each day.

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  • Wednesday we will have Change-up meeting. This is where we make changes to our community agreements using the Community Mastery Board. The meeting lasts 30 minutes.

  • Thursday is our Field Day. We intentionally leave the physical space of Cottonwood and pursue experiences in the natural and cultural landscape around us.  

  • Friday we have our weekly Community Day.  Fridays we dedicate to building a stronger community and invite parents, friends, and family members to join us for meals, share their passions and experiences, and to collaborate on adventures.

    The schedule shifts based on learners’ needs and curiosities. For example, the first snow day may inspire us to spend an extended period of time outside sledding and building snow creatures, an excellent venue for hands-on exploration of gravity, friction and matter. 

    This exploration in the cold may have a young person concerned about those who do not have homes, which could lead to a trip to the homeless shelter to volunteer, providing space to develop empathy and a greater understanding of our community.

    Someone else may become inspired to organize a fundraiser for the shelter, creating an opportunity to develop skills in communication, planning and addition.