Submitted by Sonya El Debssi for The Phoenix Rising School
Every Friday students get to participate in student-choice workshops. We change them up every six to eight weeks. Classes cover various disciplines and the hands-on lessons will often include important life-skills.
“I created a unicorn game.”
“You need blindfolds for my game.”
“We’re building a 3D puzzle.”
“I am creating my own world!”
“My world is called, Party Island.”
“I designed a flag for my country!”
“Look at my wings!”
“I’m teaching my friends how to knit.”
Those were just a few of the comments made when students were asked what they were up to Friday afternoon. This round of classes includes: Game Designers; Knitting & Looming; an Art class for Wing designers (Phoenix wings, anyone?!); a puzzle workshop; and Country Quest, a class where students get to create, draw and build their own world, including unique flags.
You may ask – “Why do you run workshops at Phoenix Rising? Isn’t school supposed to be about reading, writing, and math?!”
Of course it is! But HOW is it being taught?!!
We have long understood that the old ‘factory-style’ model of education is outdated. One size does NOT fit all, because we are all unique individuals. In addition, textbook learning and sitting at a desk all day long is demotivating students everywhere.
At The Phoenix Rising School in Rainier, Washington we have created a ‘small learning island’ on our 10-acre campus. A place where children are encouraged to explore and participate in creating their world. We aim to cultivate a mindful approach to learning that is directed by the passion and excitement of the child. Exposing children to knowledge and experiences in a variety of fields enables them to find their passions and intrinsic motivation.
A happy brain does learn better, so what makes you happy? Is it music, technology, art, design, coding, sewing, building or making something? You cannot ask questions about things you do not know. We offer our students a menu of knowledge and skills to choose from. Classes are structured and disciplined, but with an emphasis on creativity and uniqueness. Children are given tools to be innovators, find their own answers or explore their own avenues.
“Creativity is a disciplined process that requires skill, knowledge and control. Obviously, it also requires imagination and inspiration…It’s a disciplined path of daily education. If you look at some of the people we most respect for their creative achievements, it’s because of the extraordinary insights, breakthroughs, and discipline they have brought to their work.” says Sir Ken Robinson, a British author, speaker and international advisor on education in the arts to government, non-profits, education and arts bodies.
We agree with Sir Ken. And the best part – as teachers we continue to seek and develop new skills to be able to provide our students with even greater avenues of learning! Creative teachers teaching creative minds!
Learn more about The Phoenix Rising School and their upcoming auction on May 19, by visiting The Phoenix Rising School website.
