Brightworks Philosophy
“Children are competent and when you give them real tools and real problems they can surprise even themselves with what they are capable of. Learning is an innately joyful experience that kids do naturally. We have to stop thinking of ‘school’ or learning as something we do to students but rather think of students as the voracious learners they already are.”
-Mackenzie Price
Our close knit, welcoming community is intentionally designed to encourage students to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who appreciate a variety of perspectives. The deep respect and compassion in the relationships between learners and educators is palpable and supports students to learn freely and deeply.
At a recent community meeting, Anthony shared how wonderful and unique each student was. He told the whole student body, “and if you want to know how YOU are unique and loved, come to me anytime.”
Brightworks in Action
If you were a fly on the wall in an early elementary classroom, what would you see?
Our educational team plays a dynamic role in facilitating discovery
Collaborators spend their planning time setting up and finding materials for interesting provocations. On the floor they are working as documentarians to record and discuss the play/work the students are doing.
The educational team has deep competency in facilitation
Collaborators take student’s ideas seriously. They are researchers asking questions rather than jumping to conclusions.
Students working together as they play and discover
Students are kind to each other.
Students have the tools to navigate their own conflicts.
Students feel ownership over their own space and learning.
When challenging situations arise, collaborators & students manage them together
Collaborators are using (and modeling) nonviolent language
Collaborators are aware of power language
Collaborators are calm and warm and patient
Together, these elements give kids the opportunity to thrive, feel safe to explore and grow, and tackle challenging problems with confidence. In doing so, they learn about leadership, collaboration and empathy.
