Question 1

Are you a school

Accepted Answer

No, we are a play-based and self-directed learning community for homeschooled families.

Question 2

Do I have to file an intent to homeschool for my children to attend

Accepted Answer

Yes. We operate under NH Home-ed law so all of our members must be registered with their state as a homeschooler. Not already a homeschooler? No worries! We are happy to walk you through the process and help you to gain a clear understanding of your state's laws and expectations!🙂

Question 3

What are New Hampshire and Maine's homeschool laws

Accepted Answer

Please review the appropriate link below for your state.

Legal Requirements – New Hampshire Homeschooling Coalition (nhhomeschooling.org)(https://nhhomeschooling.org/legal-requirements/)
Homeschool Quickstart - Homeschoolers of Maine(https://www.homeschoolersofmaine.org/start-homeschooling/maine-homeschool-quickstart/)

Still have questions? No problem! We are happy to walk you through the process and help you to gain a clear understanding of your state's laws and expectations.

Question 4

What exactly does play-based and self-directed mean

Accepted Answer

Great question! Play-based and self-directed learning is an educational approach/philosophy that is quickly gaining popularity as more and more children are experiencing major challenges due to the pressure of conventional schooling. With that said, it's important to note that this type of approach lies on a spectrum with varying ideas and opinions. Within our community, children are welcome to play and direct themselves ALL DAY! Our learners are steering their own ship every step of the way, and our staff act as guides when and if they are needed.

Question 5

So, is this just a "free for all" all day

Accepted Answer

We can see how it may be easy to think that, but no. In fact, our learners are expected to follow community rules and expectations, but they are free to make their own choices within those rules and expectations.

Question 6

Are there any grades or tests? How do I know they are learning

Accepted Answer

No. We do not issue and grades or tests. We have full confidence that your children will learn what they need to learn when they need to learn it. Our job is to provide them with an environment rich in materials and resources and document their journey through a portfolio of photographs as it unfolds. We are not concerned with "state standards" or if your children are at "grade level". Our focus is simply growth.

Question 7

What if my child isn't "doing anything"

Accepted Answer

Not to worry! Some children require a period of time to "de-school" their brain and mindset. This is an important part beginning a play-based or self-directed learning journey. Take a breath and be patient with your child (and yourself). The longer children have spent in a more "conventional" school setting the longer this process may take.

Question 8

Help! My child is always bored

Accepted Answer

This is actually great news! Boredom is the brains way of generating new and novel ideas! Children today are growing up in a society that doesn't allow much time to play freely or have large blocks of time to do with as they wish, which is resulting in a generation of children who struggle to be imaginative. When your children tell you they are bored, try to refrain from providing them with a solution. Instead, simply let them know it's okay to feel bored, and to let you know if they come up with an idea they need assistance with.

Question 9

How do you handle conflict or discipline

Accepted Answer

We utilize a Judicial Committee to manage problems as they arise. The video below gives a great description of how the JC works and runs.

Sudbury Valley School: The Judicial Committee (youtube.com)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycuHYSQI4_U)

Question 10

I'm loving this! Do you have any additional resources that could help me better understand this learning approach

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!
 
Free to Learn - Peter Grey
How Children Learn - John Holt
How Children Fail - John Holt
Why Are You Still Sending Your Kids To School? - Blake Boles
College Without Highschool - Blake Boles
Unschool Yourself First - Blake Boles
A Place To Grow: The Culture of Sudbury Valley School - Daniel Greenberg
Unschooled - Kerry Mcdonald and Peter Grey
Let The Children Play - Pasi Sahlberg
Weapons of Mass Instruction - John Taylor Gatto
Dumbing Us Down - John Taylor Gatto
Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us - Daniel H. Pink
Hunt Gather Parent - Michaeleen Doucleff
Free Range Kids - Lenore Skenazy
Balanced and Barefoot - Angela J. Hanscom
Learning is Natural, School is Optional - Ken Denford

Teacher Tom | Consultancy | Teacher Tom's World (teachertomsworld.com)(https://www.teachertomsworld.com/)
Home | Peter Gray(https://www.petergray.org/)
Education Revolution – Alternative Education Resource Organization – The Education Revolution(https://www.educationrevolution.org/store/)

Peter Gray: Self Directed Education. What Is It, How Does It Work? (youtube.com)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYYbYyGbEcc)
Self-Taught: Life Stories From Self Directed Learners (Official Trailer) (youtube.com)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD8b_iEXbf8)
Dr. Peter Gray - Excerpt from the documentary Self-Taught - YouTube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAOXJbtrApg)
Peter Gray - Self-Directed Learning Fundamentals (youtube.com)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoE480mzrk0)
Sudbury School; Self Directed Education (youtube.com)(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWt_cWw0VyE)
How We See Self-Directed Education - Akilah S. Richards - YouTube(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbKQGNE1nUo)

There are so many more out there. A quick google or YouTube search on self-directed learning will send you down a rabbit hole full of wonderful, powerful, impactful information!

FAQ