Leadership

Right after spring break, we voted on new leadership for Roxaboxen but this time, the kids had to run for election and give stump speeches. Each came before the group and listed what they would stand for, what his/her strengths are and what changes they would seek. It was great public speaking practice and it was interesting (to say the least) to hear what they chose to highlight. Many emphasized their propensity and intention for kindness and sharing. Some were focused on a 'tough on crime' stance (building 8 more jails) and others were more concerned with gems and how they would bring many and share them fairly. Some emphasized fixing the Roxaboxen roads, planting more trees, eradicating fighting and meanness. Ezra pledged to tell jokes if he was elected. Sadly, he wasn't. Leif wanted to establish a speed limit. Chloe said she would give people chocolate, prompting an interesting very real life discussion about bribery and currying favor in elections. In the end, she decided to "give out love" instead.

In an anonymous vote (we discussed the importance of voting anonymously and how voting is often quite a private matter -- thanks Chloe for prompting this discussion), Leif was chosen as president and Chloe was runner up and is vice president. Next week, their terms end and Chloe will be president with Leif as vice.

I have read several stories centered on friendship and kindness to the children including "Don't Need Friends" by Carolyn Crimi and "Dogger" by Shirley Hughes. I also read the classic story about George Washington and the Cherry Tree and we talked about lying but then telling the truth and facing the consequences. The story they were probably most interested in was "Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig about a boy who feels invisible because no one plays with him or even notices him. A simple act of kindness and inclusion from a peer starts to change things for the boy and eventually, he is accepted into the group. The children had many things to share about what it feels like to be excluded and what steps you can take as an observer if you notice someone being left out. This is a very sensitive class and they really like and need to explore this stuff and have these conversations as a group. I predict they will be very bonded as the years go on, despite some rocky times these first couple years.

One leadership class was spent entirely with the kids brainstorming and then debating the best way to share out a jar of gems I brought to give them. They finally decided on the method I employed as a kid with my siblings and friends -- putting the loot in a big pile and then going around the circle choosing one at a time. Riley graciously agreed to go last. And a few other kids also said they didn't mind going last. Here's a video of them choosing their gems.

Roxaboxen News: Ezra made some drums and was charging kids gems to entertain them. Then Lyla Lou said the things he had made the drums with were originally hers, so he ended up paying her rent for them. So many real life issues come up in Roxaboxen. Here's another video. I love this one.

Here are the kids having a town hall meeting to decide on where and how to hang the broken clock I brought in for them to use.

This is the last blog for the year. For the last few weeks of leadership class, we will be hosting various guests in Roxaboxen and deciding how to leave the space for the summer. We'll play some community building games and wrap up mindfulness training. I may make them a treasure hunt, time permitting. We may go on a hike to the redwoods with the kinders. Presumably, the firsts and kinders (as the 1/2 class) will get to enjoy Roxaboxen together next year. If anyone has any wishes, or any suggestions, about projects, or topics to include before we part, please let me know. I can't believe there are so few classes left.