Winter 2020-2021 - Open Connections
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Volume XIV | Issue 75
2020-2021
winter
Cover: Group Tutorial IV youth take advantage of the youth designed and built Tree Platform
for their outdoor learning. Top: Hannah, Ella, Norah; Bottom: Ruby, Aminah.
FRO M THE MAN AGIN G EDITO R
Margaret Welsh
Open Connections Magazine
I
Issue 75 | Winter 2020-21 was recently reading a friend’s in-person gatherings outside on the OC campus to help
in this issue blog post in which he shared the us all feel connected even when our programs are virtual.
Mission Chinese blessing: “May you live People are sharing their skills and interests with each
Open Connections Magazine is a print publication devoted Opening Prep 2 in interesting times.” He reflected other so that the adults are learning along with their
to extending the work of Open Connections, Inc.—our non-
that “Some people might—with a youth during these gatherings.
profit organization—beyond the physical boundaries of the Going Outside with 4
Open Connections Village—our education center located Group Tutorial I perspective of the past year—con- These pages bring you an inspiring and timely article
on a twenty-eight-acre farm in a western suburb of sider this more of a curse, and I think about how the Group Tutorial I programs are taking
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Staff Appreciations 14 we could have a peaceable discussion advantage of our 28 acres of outdoor “classroom” space.
The work of Open Connections, Inc., is to promote an
about the merits of both ways of interpreting the saying.” You can also learn about how the Bonelli Family’s journey
approach to human development that we refer to as Open Glossary: Self-directed 24
Education. It includes: an emphasis on self-directed learning Learning Indeed, this has been a year of many feelings and emo- of self-directed learning looks, following the leads of
(as opposed to a compulsory curriculum); experiential tions during this unprecedented life experience of a their youth and enjoying learning through life activities.
learning (doing something vs. only hearing or reading about Introducing the 28 pandemic. I would like to focus here on gratitude for What is “self-directed learning” as practiced at OC?
it); conceptual development (valuing comprehension more Bonelli Family
than memorization); flexible thinking (the ability to innovate
unexpected results of these “interesting times.” Read an excerpt from The OC Glossary of Terms. We
and create solutions when conventional answers aren’t This is the time of year when we pause to consider enjoyed 3 glorious weeks in October of in-person pro-
Development 31
sufficient); collaboration (vs. competition); real work (vs. what we are thankful for; what and who we appreciate gramming and hope that we will be able to have in-per-
make-work); and process consciousness (an awareness of
Family Connections 32 in our lives. I am grateful to be part of the community son programs again before too many months pass. This
how the quality of process impacts on the probability of
Gatherings at Open Connections this fall when we have turned to fall we asked the youth and staff to share their apprecia-
success in any sort of undertaking).
Open Connections Magazine exists primarily to espouse each other more than ever in support of our shared goal tions of our community and they are printed here.
this approach to Open Education in general and OC’s process of life-long learning. This year we have an enthusiastic
consciousness in particular. We welcome submissions by
Parent Connections Group who have been initiating With Gratitude,
writers devoted to exploring the importance of Open
Education in their own lives and/or in the lives of their
young people. Additionally we welcome artwork by adults
and youth who are striving to find a voice in photography
(or in other forms of artwork that can be photographed
clearly for publication).
Staff
manag in g ed ito r : Margaret Welsh
l ayout and gr aphic design : Jacey Lucas
We want to hear from you: To contact Open Connections
Magazine, e-mail us at oc.magazine@openconnections.org.
Unsolicited articles and photography submissions are
welcome. A word about photography: Unless specified by a
caption, photographs are independent of articles and do not
illustrate their content. Sign up to receive Open Connections
Magazine free as a PDF e-magazine at: www.openconnections.
org/oc-blog. Keep grandparents, friends, and neighbors up
to date on OC articles, news, and events. For each issue, you
will receive an e-mail listing the contents of the magazine as well
as a link to download the publication in its entirety. You may also
view back issues on the same web page. Open Connections
Magazine is published and distributed by Open Connections,
Inc. 1616 Delchester Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073, (610)
459-3366, www.openconnections.org. Open Connections is
a 501(c)3, tax-exempt non-profit organization.
© 2020 Open Connections, Inc. All rights reserved.
OC youth, Søren, pitches in to spruce up the campus prior to opening week.
2 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 1
n i
operep n g
p
“Grit is about working on
something you care about so
much that you’re willing to
stay loyal to it...it’s doing what
you love, but not just falling
in love...staying in love.”
–Angela Duckworth
2 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 3
C youth love spending time outside on
O
campus and it is often a focus of questions
we get starting first thing in the morning,
“Are we going to be going outside today?”
To which the response is always,“Of course,
we go outside everyday.
Tuesday Group Tutorial I youth enjoy a spontaneous game
of “Noodle Tag” around the Tire Swing Environment during
free choice time. (Pictured L to R: Eli, Emmy, Lincoln, Gwen,
Heather [Facilitator]).
Going Outside with Group Tutorial I
By Linda Soffer, Megan Marran, and Jody Fitts,
Group Tutorial I Facilitators
O pen Connections is surrounded by natural beauty. From
the moment you turn onto the top of the driveway, the
view of 28 acres of rolling meadow and forest, dotted with
While the visual beauty of our campus is undeniable, our
nature-rich setting does much more than just provide a pretty
backdrop. There is a growing body of research indicating that
the stone farmhouse and reclaimed barn, is both relaxing and direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood
idyllic. Our spacious, verdant campus is a vital and unique development and for the physical and emotional health of
component of our Open Education environment, where youth people of all ages. In his seminal work Last Child in the Woods:
of all ages and abilities are encouraged to exercise, explore and Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder Richard
embody our guiding principles of Respect, Freedom, Responsi- Louv asserts, “Stress reduction, greater physical health, a deeper
bility, and Natural Learning. sense of spirit, more creativity, a sense of play, even a safer life—
these are the rewards that await a family when it invites more
nature into children’s lives.”
4 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 5
Spending time outdoors is a cornerstone of all OC programs, and
each program group utilizes the campus amenities in different
ways depending on the needs of the members and goals of the
program. The Group Tutorial I program recognizes that the
emerging learners in our 7-9 year old age group understand and
integrate new knowledge best through hands-on experiences that
engage the whole person and allow for flexibility and individual
expression. Youth in this age group need to get up and move
frequently and will readily use their kinesthetic impulses to
integrate informal play with more formal learning. They are also
seeking a deeper understanding of themselves in relationship
with the broader community, and forming an overall view of the
world and their place in its natural order. To this end Group
Tutorial I Facilitators employ the campus as an outdoor class-
room that encourages our youth to engage their senses, their
bodies, and their imaginations in their learning process while
simultaneously nurturing an intimate relationship with the
natural world.
Group Tutorial I encompasses two separate days of program-
ming, each with a different focus. On Tuesdays the emphasis rests
on logic, math, and science while on Thursdays we explore cul-
tures, the humanities and community service. Both program days
seek to capitalize on opportunities to spend time outdoors engag-
ing in a wide range of activities across a spectrum of structure to
maximize kinesthetic and naturalistic learning. Youth attend one
or both days. What follows is a glimpse of learning experiences
One example of an outdoor collaborative project: the Blacktop
Obstacle Course, where each group member created a section by utilizing the outdoors from Tuesdays and from Thursdays.
drawing movement cues on the ground with chalk.
Tuesday Group Tutorial I
OC youth love spending time outside on campus and it is often a
Youth in this age group need to get up and move
focus of questions we get starting first thing in the morning, “Are
frequently and will readily use their kinesthetic we going to be going outside today?” To which the response is
impulses to integrate informal play with more always, “Of course, we go outside everyday.”
formal learning. They are also seeking a deeper Getting outdoors is the goal for many of our activities through-
out the year in Tuesday Group Tutorial I. We mindfully structure
understanding of themselves in relationship our math and science based projects to have outdoor components.
with the broader community, and forming an One of our early activities in the year is a re-introduction of Venn
overall view of the world and their place in its Diagrams using Attribute Blocks. An engaging and kinesthetic
addition to this activity that we have used over the years has
natural order.
been to create Venn Diagram circles on the Blacktop area and use
youth chosen attributes for each circle. The youth then become
the attribute blocks themselves by moving to the circle or set of
circles which best describes them. This element of embodied
experience helps youth to more fully integrate their understand-
ing of this important conceptual model.
During our study of the science of sight one year we utilized the
outdoors by staging three sight challenges on the Upper Terrace:
a balance beam walk, throwing and catching a ball with a partner,
and tossing a bean bag into a target at varying distances. Youth
wore hand-made eye patches that were used to block information
from one eye or the other during these activities. These tasks
allowed youth to utilize full body movement to process new infor-
mation about the role vision plays in balance and perception. Sliding Rocks is a favorite natural feature
of the OC woods that were transformed
into a kinesthetic challenge by the simple
addition of an anchored rope.
6 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 (Pictured:
Open Connections Gwen|&Winter
Magazine Eli) 2020-21 7
The gardens and terraces surrounding the
OC Farmhouse are named Susan’s Gardens in
memory of one of the original founders, Susan
Shilcock. Thursday Group Tutorial I adopted
the Labyrinth area of Susan’s Gardens as a way
to provide community service. Twice a year, in
spring and fall, the group performs a thorough
clean up. With garden gloves, rakes, spades,
trowels, clippers and wheelbarrows, the group
removes debris and spruces up this beautiful
area. After an hour or two of collaborative labor,
a neat and welcoming space reappears.
Thursday Group Tutorial I youth gathered materials for use in a natural dyeing project, “Doing it outside” can require adaptations, such as using a rock to As Group Tutorial I youth develop kinesthetic confidence, they find new
and simultaneously cleared invasive plants from the campus. (Pictured: Lee) secure your hundreds sheet when counting pumpkin seeds ways to enjoy our classic outdoor play elements. (Pictured: Emmy & Gwen)
on a breezy day. (Pictured: Lincoln)
We utilize the entire campus on a weekly basis as we hike Thursday Group Tutorial I acorns. Another could be a 3-D “fantasy retreat” with a lounging both groups will contribute to the care of the space.
through the Meadow and White Pines areas, across the creek While it seems logical that the outdoors is the territory of math area under an umbrella made from a large hosta leaf. Still quite One year, Thursday Group Tutorial I studied Celtic Culture
and up into the woods, immersing ourselves in the natural world. and science, it is also the realm of literature, poetry and the arts. different from the others could be a symmetrical mandala design which offered rich opportunities for outdoor immersion in mul-
Youth hone their observation skills as they gather natural materi- The Thursday Group Tutorial I program focuses on engaging including pebbles from the nearby pebble harp in the Labyrinth. tiple ways. A fictional story of an Irish girl named Fiona and her
als and collaborate to build nature mandalas. During free choice youth in the exploration of cultures and the humanities, as well The mandala might be guarded from behind by two wooden stat- intergenerational island family, The Secret of Ron Mor Skerry,
times spontaneous games of tag will pop up, or youth will develop as participation in meaningful community service. The different ues. All teams work collaboratively, resulting in friendly connec- led to a morning of five activities designed to experience Fiona’s
their balance and strength via the slack line and ninja line set up outdoor spaces, natural materials and built environments are tions between the group members at the beginning of the year, and life first hand. In groups of three, the youth rotated through five
by the Blacktop. The Tire Swing Environment and the Sand Pit ideal for hands-on learning. Four of the ways outdoor learning original, creative pieces of natural art. stations on campus, practicing the activities as described in the
are utilized for games of house, feats of engineering, and other has been used in recent years on Thursdays are: 1) Activities for The gardens and terraces surrounding the OC Farmhouse story. Some of the tasks completed were: using a trowel to mix
nature-based fantasy play. These daily opportunities support our building collaborative and social skills. 2) Community Service in are named Susan’s Gardens in memory of one of the original and apply “tar”(in the form of mud) to a wood plank (simulat-
assertion that the physical exercise and emotional stretching tending the Labyrinth area of Susan’s Gardens at OC. 3) Activity founders, Susan Shilcock. Thursday Group Tutorial I adopted the ing the bottom of Fiona’s grandfather’s fishing boat); washing,
that youth enjoy during unstructured, imaginative and explor- challenges for reinforcing learning from stories related to foreign Labyrinth area of Susan’s Gardens as a way to provide community ringing out, and hanging “laundry” on a clothesline; crafting an
atory play are essential for healthy, wholesome development. cultures. 4) Celebrating holidays from foreign cultures. service. Twice a year, in spring and fall, the group performs a eating utensil out of aluminum foil, then setting a table in the
Youth in Group Tutorial I are responsible for researching and Early in the program year, activities are planned to help youth thorough clean up. With garden gloves, rakes, spades, trowels, clip- outdoor kitchen; making footprints in the sand pit then raking
presenting a topic of their choosing to the group each year. These get to know each other better. One particular activity requires pers and wheelbarrows, the group removes debris and spruces them smooth (simulating the action of the waves at the edge of
Mini Peer Facilitations (MPF) include an activity portion and the each pair or triad of youth to collaboratively create a design of up this beautiful area. After an hour or two of collaborative labor, the sea); and rowing the OC canoe through an imaginary ocean.
youth will often choose an activity that has an outdoor component. their choice with natural materials gathered from the campus. a neat and welcoming space reappears. Through these efforts, By physically going through the motions of these actions, youth
One year we flew carp kites outside after an MPF about Japanese Let loose outside, the groups settle on plans, scatter around the youth have increased their knowledge of the plants and natural were more able to grasp the meaning of the story and the expe-
cultures, we tested our camera obscura after an MPF on Polaroid immediate area, find and collect materials and bring them back features of this space, their understanding of the seasonal cycles, riences of the protagonist, as well as integrating these story ele-
cameras and we had a demonstration on the hearing of dogs after to their designated sites. What soon emerges are a collection of and their sense of stewardship of this unique part of campus. In ments into their memory. It was also great fun and good exercise!
an MPF on Dog Senses. unique nature creations. One may be a picture of three hearts this pandemic year, Group Tutorial I is using the Labyrinth area Ireland is a land of many bogs, and the Ancient Celts were
made from pink flower petals and leaves and “people” made from as our main program space on both Tuesdays and Thursdays and known to bury different things in bogs where they would be
8 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 9
preserved indefinitely. To experiment with burying something
in the ground for a long time, and to understand and appreciate
the connections that exist between our modern lives and those
of these ancient peoples who so revered nature, Thursday Group
Tutorial I carved and dried apple heads and then buried them in
a far corner of the OC campus (our closest landscape to a “bog”).
The individual burial sites were marked with personal flags
created with each youth’s name written in the ancient Celtic
alphabet, Ogham. This activity took place during the Celtic hol-
iday Samhain, which celebrates the end of the summer harvest
and the beginning of the “dark half” of the year. That same after-
noon, the Open Program youth joined the the Group Tutorial I
youth in a ritual ceremony, marching around and around a can-
dle (symbolizing a bonfire) and meditating on the cycles of light
and darkness (symbolizing life, death and rebirth) in nature.
Six months later, the Celtic calendar brought another ripe
opportunity to enjoy celebrating and learning outdoors. The
major fire festival holiday of Beltane falls halfway between the
spring equinox and the summer solstice and for ancient Celts
For 2020-21, Group Tutorial I has expanded our
marked the “Light” half of the year. The first outdoor activity of
the day was decorating three OC trees with flowers and colorful outdoor programming on both days. On Tues-
yarn to create traditional May Trees (also called Beltane Trees or days we are focused on a study of the air within
Wishing Trees). Next, every youth found their own Ogham flag
us and around us, a topic that affords countless
and dug up their apple doll from Samhain, noting the degree of
decomposition that had occurred over six months’ time. For the opportunities to incorporate nature-based and
final part of the celebration, youth from Thursday Group Tutorial kinesthetic learning into our math and science
I and the Open Program joined together again in pairs to hold studies. Our Thursday program plans to “stay at
hands, chant, and jump over a broomstick that represented a
threshold into the future. Everyone was directly calling forth the
home” and dig deeper into the cultures of the
fertile growing season of spring, summer and early fall, as Celtic native tribes and communities of North America.
people have done for centuries. In this tangible way, everyone
welcomed the cultural experiences right into their very being.
For 2020-21, Group Tutorial I has expanded our outdoor pro-
gramming on both days. On Tuesdays we are focused on a study
of the air within us and around us, a topic that affords countless
opportunities to incorporate nature-based and kinesthetic learn-
ing into our math and science studies. Our Thursday program
plans to “stay at home” and dig deeper into the cultures of the
native tribes and communities of North America, deepening
our understanding of our own sense of place and the people
who inhabited it in the not-so-ancient past. On both days we
will continue to engage Mother Nature as our co-facilitator,
taking full advantage of the fresh air, open space, and unlimited
possibilities for growth and connection that the outdoor class-
room provides.
Sequencing, memory and synchrony are all practiced when we perform
the Group Tutorial I “Greeting”—a series of movements chosen by group
members that acts as a distanced alternative to handshakes & hugs.
Projects like making natural dyes feel more authentic when
they can happen outdoors, even on wet days, thanks to our
covered Art Studio patio. (Pictured: Cataleia)
10 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 11
“I enjoy being back on “Dear OC, I so appreciate this
campus because I enjoy the loving and accepting commu-
change of scenery from my nity that we have created.
house. I enjoy helping set Even through all the strug-
up outdoor program spaces gles that have come with
so that we could come back the pandemic I feel like we
in-person.” have come out the other side
– Indi, Group Tutorial III stronger than ever. It’s been
so great to be able to be in
person these past few weeks,
even with restrictions. The
Owen, Caroline, and Seda discuss measurements for staff have all done amazing
the railing as part of the ongoing Tree Platform Building project in Shaping Your Life. jobs problem solving around
Nova and Luna (sisters) enjoy a story of Library Mouse in the
all the challenges to give us Open Program’s new outdoor reading space.
great programs. This year
I have already had so many
great in-program experi-
ences that I will remember
Brendan enjoys the outdoor program space in
for years to come. Even with the Open Program.
Jack utilizes the Open Program woodshop for a new project—making stilts!
the many obstacles this year
has brought, we have stayed
strong as a community and “I appreciate being on campus because
I look forward to the future on virtual we’re just sitting there and not
with great excitement for exercising our bodies. But on campus
what is to come.” we’re exercising our minds and our
I appreciate just – Ruby, Group Tutorial IV bodies together.
being back; autumn – Ollie, Group Tutorial I
olives; fun; friends.
– Max, Group Tutorial II
Group Tutorial II members, Thomas, Elric, Max, Ollie, Silas P., and Shep engage in a
newly invented game inspired by physical distancing guidelines.
Hannah checks out an interesting Leo hones his fine motor skills as he connects Ruby examines leaves under a dissecting scope. She collected Ollie helps out an injured preying mantis during Group
fungus while scouting locations gumdrop pumpkins with toothpicks. them from her stream site in order to identify various environ- Tutorial II.
for a Group Tutorial IV community mental factors impacting her stream health and characteristics.
scavenger hunt project.
“I appreciate being on “I appreciate the new flex-
campus because I love ibility in the small group.
seeing my friends and Though I do miss having
playing with them in many people due to the
person, and sharing strength in numbers,
experiences like when I appreciate having an
the bald eagle flew over agile group that has the
campus today.” ability to follow whims
– Gwen, Group Tutorial I and whips.”
– Owen, Shaping Your Life
Group Tutorial I members play a “getting to know you” dice A morning spent in the MakerSpace yielded logo-like designs to Elena gets comfy as she ponders a writing
game on a rainy morning in our indoor program space. be used to mark ditty bags, backjack covers and other personal Seda explains her thinking for applying the Pythagorean Thereom to calculate the prompt in Group Tutorial III.
works for Group Tutorial III youth, including Søren. height of a slice of red oak during an activity in Shaping Your Life.
12 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 13
K
f
ELLY
St a f
DILLON
“I appreciate OC because it has
P
HER
N
provided a home away from assionate about the outdoors,
JE A
Kelly continues to wander,
home to us and a place to
observe and marvel at the cycles of
AT
discover ideas alongside new
HE friends, to explore our natural
the natural world. Kelly enjoys col-
laborating with young people as they
S I n addition to spending time
learning with her youth, Heather
world in the most beautiful
setting, to work on real things,
develop their own passion for the
planet, and is committed to doing her “I am grateful beyond measure to
I
CHR
explores her own interests too, vol- part in protecting and preserving the
cooperatively, to learn to be a part of the OC Community,
unteering for women’s public health environment for generations to come.
organizations and a local CSA, as well
disagree kindly, to hear others, sharing our passions, successes
Kelly shares many interests with
as documenting life through pictures, to appreciate opportunities and and challenges as we support
J
her daughter, who joyfully attended
to do so in the midst of other ean and Sean have 5 young peo-
running, journaling, planning family OC from Open Program through each other, when and where we
ple, 4 of whom have attended OC
adventures and reading as much as families and incredible mentors Shaping Your Life. She is grateful for can, in both big and seemingly
for varying amounts of time. The
possible. Heather and Sam’s three all seeking to better ourselves the enlightening conversations, rang-
eldest is an OC graduate and the small ways, in the adventurous
lively young people all attend OC. and others.” ing from human rights and equality
youngest is set to graduate from OC and often messy journey, of
to popular culture, that continue to
W
in May of 2021. Jean enjoys many discovery and making of a
hen Chris isn’t working at OC, connect them in their curiosity and
creative endeavours in her “spare life that fits.” ”
he spends his time hunting compassion.
time”. She likes to cook gourmet
and fishing, woodworking, playing
meals and is always looking for
guitar and the African djembe. He also
enjoys camping, backpacking, hiking,
J
AN new ways to cook the wild game
and other foraged foods her family
restoring old cars, riding motorcycles, “I am incredibly grateful for OC’s
brings home. Jean enjoys sewing,
blacksmithing and metal working, influence in my family’s life.
E
tie dying, repurposing old clothing
fixing up his house and restoring old The support we have received and other items as well as making
tools. He enjoys sewing, quilting and from OC over the past 16 years all-natural home, health, and
crochet too. Recently Chris has been
is immeasurable. The first time beauty products. Jean is currently
learning to make sauerkraut and has
we visited OC, I knew that we developing her love of gardening.
been painting with watercolors. Chris
and his wife, Amy have two youth, one had stumbled upon something
“I appreciate OC because it has
DOW D
currently attends OC and one is an truly special and unique. OC “I appreciate OC because it
OC graduate. been a supportive community
J ane enjoys gardening, daily morn-
has inspired invaluable positive represents a place of consistency
growth in every member of my during our homeschool journey in our chaotic lives, especially
ing walks in the park with her dog
“I appreciate seeing all of the family, and we are all better in many ways. I especially this year. It has been tremen-
and best friend Amy, sewing, making
LY
KEL
young people on campus these up-cycled creations, hiking, camp- human beings because of OC’s appreciate all the friends my
past few weeks. I have been dously healing to be able to
ing, putzing in thrift stores, creating involvement in our lives. When I young people and I have made come back on campus and to
on campus through the entire
W
mosaics, crafting, and spending time am at OC, I feel at home, loved, during our time at OC, they hen not at OC, Kelly enjoys
pandemic and the beauty of interact with staff, youth and
in her cozy home with her family. Her have truly enriched our lives. reading, hiking, DIY home
the campus never ceases to and energized. I feel free to be families in person. I appreciate
husband, Rick, is the Interim Exec- I also appreciate that OC has renovation projects, and spending
amaze me but after a while it utive Director at Open Connections.
myself and talk openly about how the community is stepping
given me meaningful work to time with her family. Kelly holds a
gets very quiet and lonely. When Their son Locke attends programs at all the things that matter to MSEd in Elementary Education and up to problem-solve the myriad
programs started up the campus OC. Their daughter, Ella, attended me with people who are caring, do. I have felt valued for my challenges inherent during this
is passionate about engaging youth
came alive! Seeing and hearing programs at OC from age 4-15 and open-minded, and accepting. contributions, and it is a job in their learning and helping them pandemic and is working on
all of the young people running continues to pursue a path of self- The OC community has become I love doing.” connect in healthy ways. Kelly and her deepening connections with each
wild makes my heart sing. I directed learning.
our tribe and we cannot imagine husband have three youth, all of whom
feel more connected than ever. other in flexible, creative ways.”
attend or have attended programs at
I guess my real appreciation is our lives without it. OC is a gift
OC since 2009.
this wonderful community!”” to my family and the world!” ”
14 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 15
A LLE W.
E
D
H
LI N
N
MIC
MEGA
“I appreciate OC because:
It offers my youth (and myself)
the opportunity to learn and
grow alongside some truly amazing
“One of the things I appreciate and talented individuals. OC
most about OC is the unique envi- brings joy into our lives through
ronment that allows for collabo-
W
the beautiful and peaceful
M
hen not at OC, Linda can be
A ration. I often feel that I learn ichelle met her husband,
M
found with her family, includ- campus, the people with whom we
egan and her family, husband Jeremy, many years ago in the
LIS
much more in a day (sometimes ing her daughter who is an OC youth. have been blessed to spend our
Matthew and young people, kitchen of a fancy restaurant where
about the world around me, She appreciates being in nature—hik- time and the ways our learning
Hannah and Thomas live on a farm in they both worked, and they still love
sometimes about myself) from ing, camping and gardening—and
O pen Connections has been a huge
Parkesburg. Hannah and Thomas both has expanded throughout the sharing food and hospitality with the
youth than I may have imparted enjoys building connections in her attend OC. Megan has lived in 3 states
influence on the Huis family years. We will always be grateful world. When Michelle’s not working
to them! I am continually Philadelphia neighborhood through (PA, AK, and CO twice) and together
since 2000. All three of Lisa’s youth for Open Connections and the at their family restaurant, Bittersweet
community arts events. Linda also with her family has traveled to several
attended OC from the Open Program amazed and inspired by my wonderful people associated Kitchen, she can be found reading,
explores art in all mediums, with a European countries in the last few
through their teen years. She loves facilitator colleagues for their laughing with friends and fighting for
focus on found object assemblage, years. Megan is a Certified Veterinary
with it.”
spending time with community ingenuity, passion and dedica- social justice. Michelle is a connector,
and relishes making her home a Technician and has a passion for all
members of all ages, both inside and building community is a passion.
tion to the growth and welfare haven for imagination, creativity and things animal.
outside of programming. When not Michelle and Jeremy’s three youth all
of the young people each has in whole-hearted living.
attend OC programs.
on campus, Lisa can be found hiking,
programming. I used to think
puzzling, baking, eating chocolate
that if I could be reincarnated, “I appreciate working at OC “I appreciate the opportunity
and marveling at nature, though not
because it allows me to combine
usually simultaneously. I would come back to the world
as a dolphin. But now I think I my interests in arts and nature M bor through a self-service farmstand.
During her “free time,” Michelle
to join the staff I have long
admired for their creativity,
ICHE
might rather be an Op youth.” to create a learning environment enjoys cooking and baking, reading, flexibility and respect for young
that is mutually inspirational playing and creating games with her people. I am enjoying the chance
and nurturing. It is a magical family, and hands-on creative endeav-
LLE B.
to be on our beautiful campus,
place of infinite possibilities, ors such as sewing, tie-dying, canning
and preserving food, hiking, exploring
celebrating what is possible in
where every individual is this strange time. My gratitude
natural parks, woodworking, DIY,
encouraged to embrace their and gardening. overflows for this community
true self.” that has worked so hard to
“I appreciate OC for so many offer meaningful opportunities
MAR
M argaret enjoys sewing and quilting,
flower gardening, jigsaw puzzling,
M ichelle was introduced to OC
when she was about 10 years
old, when her two younger brothers
reasons. First, OC is my extended
family. I have made so many
to learn, have fun and deepen
friendships in a moment when
camp fires, taking snapshots, connecting special connections with families
GA
joined OC programs. At first sight she so many in our world find
with friends and family—she and her hus- and staff members that will last themselves more isolated and
RET
knew that when she started her own
band Scott dabble in farming too. Margaret
family they would somehow be part of a lifetime. Second, the support distanced.”
and Scott have 3 young people all of whom
this wonderful place called Open Con- from the community to gain a
are OC alumni.
nections. Michelle has now worked better understanding of what
in the Open Program for 17 years and
“I appreciate the supportive community at OC. I could never have managed this homeschooling looks like for my
calls OC her home away from home.
homeschooling journey without its support. I am grateful for the friendships that Michelle has many hobbies includ-
family. Third, the freedom,
filled with natural landscapes to
my youth and I have made through OC. These are lasting friendships. The oppor- ing tending her farm with her four respect, and responsibility that
explore and enjoy. I look forward
tunity to be a greater part of OC by being in the Office has been a joy. I feel youth, all of whom attend or have is given to the youth to lead
to every day I walk onto campus,
attended OC. They call their small a life of choice, purpose, and
valued as part of furthering the mission of self-directed learning.” ” ready to see the cheerful faces of
farm/homestead RowdyCrowd Farm fulfillment. Lastly, I appreciate
and enjoy sharing the fruits of their la- other staff, families, and youth.””
this beautiful 28 acre campus
16 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 17IC K
R
“I appreciate the OC community -
staff, the Board, families, and
young people. The gratitude I
SU
E
feel to be part of such a large
R
group of life-long learners who
ick and his wife delight in long
S
walks and deep conversation.
take an active role in creat- ue lives in Swarthmore with her
He is enjoying teaching his daughter ing the life they want - full of husband, Mark, and their young
to drive and supporting her as she purpose and fulfillment as they people—two in college and one still
pursues her self-directed path. Rick define it - is beyond words. at home. Sue likes to stay active by
savors spending time with his son running, biking, swimming, hiking,
The OC mission and philosophy
working through math problems and and playing OC-style sports with
are nothing without a group the youth. Her favorite hobbies are
exploring electronics. Rick is currently
reading books by Alan Watts and is
of dedicated people willing to collecting minerals, geology, bird-
looking forward to the time when he engage, question, and evolve watching, and nature photography
can once again experience live music with it. I am a better father, and she especially loves doing these
of all kinds. He also enjoys a good joke. husband, son, co-worker, and while traveling. Sue also serves in her
Rick and Jane’s youth attend or have church as an elder.
friend because of all of you.”
attended OC.
“I appreciate OC first and
foremost because of the amaz-
ing youth. It is a privilege to
be their Facilitator! Nothing
energizes me more than coming
alongside them as they explore
their interests, take on new
challenges, and develop deeper
bonds with me and each other.
You won't meet a more intellec-
tually curious, kind, creative
or inclusive group of teens than
those at OC. I also appreciate
the breathtaking beauty of the
OC campus which is ours for the “For a while I thought I wouldn’t see my friends. Expecting it would be all in front of a screen all day
and I expected that would be very boring. I’m glad that I can enjoy the creek this year, the woods and
taking and exploration. And the birds. And especially my friends. So my appreciation is this, I’m glad to be on the OC campus.”
I love working with such inter- – Elric, Group Tutorial II (pictured above with autumn olives that he harvested during Group Tutorial II.)
esting and caring fellow staff
members who are as passionate
as I am about the OC youth and
philosophy.”
18 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 19“Dear OC, I am ever so glad
to be back here on campus!
I am so grateful that the
“I appreciate how OC is so
staff worked to put together
welcoming. Everybody
restrictions and safety guide-
here puts you first and
lines to keep everyone safe so
everybody is so kind to one
we could be here on campus.
another. I feel so lucky to
When we went virtual in the
be able to go to OC twice a
spring I was kind of happy to
week! I look forward to it
be at home most of the time,
every day. I never doubt
but now that we are back here
that the Facilitators are
I am so excited to continue
going to find a new way to
with the rest of the year on
change things up. I feel Owen carefully examines a mushroom specimen during a youth
campus! I have had so much
that I have come out of my facilitated activity about mushrooms in Shaping Your Life.
fun being outside all day and
shell that I never knew
picnicking at lunch.”
I had. Thank you OC!”
– Hannah, Group Tutorial IV
– Elena, Group Tutorial III
Owen enjoys some kinesthetic time in the Sand Pit during Open Program.
Group Tutorial I youth, Lee, Gwen and Emmy “I like playing in the
work together to make their way through a
cooperative obstacle course on the Blacktop as
sandpit and trying
Heather (Facilitator) cheers them on. to figure out how to
find Wally’s boot. Just
plain being back at
“I love being outdoors and going into the OC felt really good.” Albert fashions a smooth and sturdy walking stick.
woods, and also doing activities with Group Tutorial III youth reviewed bushcraft whittling
– Owen, Open Program safety and then foraged potential walking sticks in the
others like the blacktop obstacle course.” OC woods.
– Eli, Group Tutorial II
“I like being with my friends and
seeing their whole bodies, not just
their faces, and playing games like
“I appreciate seeing tag and Ghost in the Graveyard in
Chris passes information during Tuesday Group Tutorial II’s hike through the all my friends again. I
White Pines area to determine where new trails should be created. the environment.”
appreciate that we are – Lincoln, Group Tutorial I
doing more watercolor
this year. I am excited
to eat A LOT of autumn
olives. I am very
excited to be able to
Aminah practices using her stopwatch in Emmy considers how to break a large number into a smaller one
bird watch over on the
preparation for timing the speed of a ping using manipulatives. The outcome led to Real Work for Group Tuto-
TV. [Live stream from pong ball traveling down a section of the rial youth who then figured out how many stepping stones each of
Cornell University.] I stream on the OC campus. them would trim in the overgrown labyrinth in Susan’s Gardens.
appreciate how all the
Facilitators are work-
ing hard to make sure
that we can get back on “I appreciate being
campus. I appreciate with the Facilitators
that we are creating and my friends. I like
our own games that fit being able to use the
with covid rules. I like materials for projects
that we have all kinds and do things together.
of new facilitators I love being able to do
this year.” projects at the creek
– Silas K., and the Sliding Rock
Group Tutorial II and the Environment.”
– Cataleia, Group Tutorial I
Lily unveils her shibori (Japanese form of tie dye) gear
bag. Once dry, it will get strung and be ready to carry Group Tutorial III youth, Declan, gathers his thoughts in preparation for a Cataleia proudly displays her fairy house that she has spent several weeks Lincoln clips an Autumn Olive branch to clear a path
much of what we need for our outdoor adventures! persuasive argument on whether or not having a lot of money is a designing and decorating during the Open Program. down to the Creek in the Open Program.
good thing.
20 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 21“I really appreciate spending
time with friends doing
collaborative activities like
making the blacktop obstacle
course. It is more fun when
you can do the parts that
each person created.”
– Emmy, Group Tutorial I
Aria relaxes on a tire swing following an after-
noon of dreaming and clearing a Group Tutorial
Silas P. gets his lap board set up before III outdoor program site and carefully choosing
Leo explores physics in motion while cautiously maneuvering his
beginning his weekly watercolor painting in a walking stick for use on upcoming hikes.
body across the board during Open Program.
Group Tutorial II.
“I’m glad that we are back at
OC because I get to see all of
my friends. I am excited to be
doing in-person this year.”
– Silas P., Group Tutorial II
Eli preforms a physical analysis of his pumpkin,
During Group Game Time, Group Tutorial IV and Shaping Your Life youth plot a way to move a ball across the Blacktop including weight and circumference. He then
while staying connected. Several of the members also had their eyes closed. records the data in his Pumpkin Booklet. This
is an annual Group Tutorial I activity which
than includes carving the pumpkins and
counting seeds.
“Appreciation for OC & Community,
“I appreciate being able to be back on campus and outside during such nice weather, I appreciate that we can still feel
as well as getting to know Seda and Owen better in my first year of SYL. Coming connected even with the restric- “I am excited for this year. It has
back and getting to see some familiar faces has been really refreshing!” tions in place to keep us all safe. I been very fun so far. Even though
– Caroline, Shaping Your Life, (pictured on a birdwatching hike about the OC campus.) like that while we are on campus it will be different this year, I think
we are spending most if not all our that it will be very fun and we will
time outside, so that we are able have lots of possibilities. I am also
to be in nature much more of the excited to be outside more as well.
time. I’m enjoying and appreciat- I am also happy to see everyone in
ing all the time spent outside more my program again.”
than I usually would when program – Søren, Group Tutorial III
was normal.”
– Aminah, Group Tutorial IV Wally enjoys creating new and vibrant colors on
22 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 the porch during Open Program. Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 23From the OC Glossary of Terms
As with Natural Learning (1) and Real Work,
among some other terms in this glossary, Self-di-
(and confirmed by the students themselves) that
this time they wanted to be there, to learn the
“The outcomes may seem
Self-Directed
rected learning (SDL) covers a spectrum of mean- material and advance into their careers. They were similar—the book is
ings for different users. We at Open Connections
tend to use the term interchangeably with Self-ini-
now Self-directed.
At OC, we encourage SDL both within individual
read, the math skills
Learning
tiated learning, Self-managed learning, student-cen- programs and in the broader arena of the OC com- are developed. However,
tered learning and other options that are all intend-
ed to distinguish it from learning that has been
munity at large. The creation of the teen dances/
Formal, and the yearbooks, are each a case in point.
most often there is another
initiated by—and usually coerced by—someone in a At the same time, we subscribe to the notion that consequence that we
(with a lens on position of authority. for all of us, “we can’t know what we don’t know.” at OC find invaluable:
The content of the learning activity may be That translates here to mean that Facilitators feel
Invited vs. Uninvited identical in the two different schemes. What dis- encouraged to introduce our young people to oppor- self-motivation and a
Instruction) tinguishes them is the source. Choosing Moby Dick tunities of which they are likely to be unaware. This sense of purpose.”
from the library is one thing: having it assigned by in no way obligates them to pursue their sugges-
a parent or English teacher is quite another. Simi- tions. On the other hand, they sometimes open
larly, learning to add and subtract so that you can up a new interest area that becomes important to see how young people organically explore or inter-
balance your financial accounts is different from the young person (or young people, if it involves act with the items with no set agenda. The latter are
learning by way of completing assigned worksheets. a group). The key to remember, however, is that activities where the Facilitator often has an idea
In both instances, the outcomes may seem the Facilitator is offering not imposing. Thus, the and/or goal for how to approach the material or
similar —the book is read, the math skills are Self-direction component dominates with regard activity, while still leaving space and opportunity
developed. However, most often there is another to the choice to engage and any choice to pursue for youth to make their own discoveries.
consequence that we at OC find invaluable: further. There is no have-to here. In regards to Group Tutorials (which start at age
self-motivation and a sense of purpose. With SDL, The above examples speak to the micro-level— 7 and run through age 14), Choice programs (ages
there are likely to be long-lasting benefits that far thinking about different specific activities. SDL is 8-15) and Shaping Your Life (15-18), SDL comes
surpass the skills learned or the data bits memo- also important on a macro-level. in two forms. At the macro level, when youth are
rized (at least for the time being). Our goal at OC is for youth of all ages to be able to choosing to register in those programs, they are
There is more likely to be a pride of authorship, identify as Self-directed Learners. This obviously demonstrating a level of self-directedness. Simi-
or accomplishment, with SDL. There is less likely looks different for the various ages, as well as for larly, they are opting into a program where there
to be resistance, confusion, frustration, distress each individual within each age group. Oftentimes, is instruction--but/and it is invited instruction
and certainly rebellion with SDL as well. This is be- people hear the term SDL and they translate it because the youth are choosing to enroll in the
cause the learner is focused on his goal rather than to mean, “the young person can do whatever he program. At a more micro level, meaning, in day-
someone else’s. He is evaluating his own efforts as wants, whenever he wants, and there is zero adult to-day programs, the level of self-direction varies.
he goes—“Am I getting where I want to go?”—rather oversight and/or expectations.” This is certainly In some programs, there may be multiple hours
than fretting, “Am I going to meet my teacher’s and not the case (at least, it’s not for the SDLers who carved out where the youth are self-directed, while
parents’ approval?” attend OC.) in other programs, there may be little to no purely
Clearly, it is a much more efficient process. It First, as registered Home Educated youth, there self-directed time. However, even in those instanc-
has been reported by many homeschoolers (and are certain legal expectations that must be met in es, there is time and space carved out for youth
students receiving homebound instruction) that order to comply with PA Home Education Law. to share their wishes with the Facilitators for the
the average student can master a year’s worth of (For more on this, speak to an OC director or OC content that the group will be exploring during the
school curricula in far less time than if they were in evaluator.) program year.
traditional school due to the nature of youth being Second it is important to make the distinction
able to work at his/her pace, and moving quickly between invited and uninvited instruction. When
through the content that clicks easily for them. In the youth are participating in our younger programs at
post-WWII generation, it was found over and over OC (Open Program), there is ample time and space
again that returning GIs were much better college for self-directed exploration, play and learning.
students, much more serious about their studies, There are also both Facilitator-initiated and Facil-
because they had chosen to be there after two years itator-led activities. The former are activities or [1] Words which are underscored and in bold have
their own definitions described in detail elsewhere
in the army than they had been right out of high materials that the Facilitator may have placed on a in the OC Glossary of Terms which is available to OC
school. The second time around, it was speculated table (or floor, or at the Sand Pit) and left there to families on the OC website.
Group Tutorial III youth, Aria, Lily and Albert, tackle one of a series of building
challenges. Using a rubber band and three strings, they work out how to stack 6
plastic cups in a variety of ways while never touching the cups with their hands.
24 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 25“I appreciate that we can
be back on campus and
I can hang out with my
friends. I’m happy that
I’m in GT II and Megan,
Chris and Michelle W.
are facilitating.”
– Shep, Group Tutorial II
“I appreciate that I get
more exercise. I appreci-
ate that I get more writing
practice. I appreciate that
Cataleia and Lincoln enjoy a socially distanced game of
I see more of my friends.” Guess Who during the Open Program.
– Thomas, Group Tutorial II
”I am really glad to be on campus because
covid-19 made me feel like I was in solitary
confinement”.
– Elliot, Group Tutorial III
“Dear OC, I am very happy that we are able to be
at OC. I am excited to be outside all day because
it will be different from past OC years. I’m also
happy that we have the chance to be in-person
now even though we might switch to online.”
– Declan, Group Tutorial III
Indi measures and marks vinyl in Thomas pauses during his weekly watercolor painting of campus
order to complete the traveler’s during Group Tutorial II.
journal used to capture observa-
tions and notes throughout the OC
year in Group Tutorial III.
“I have really been
appreciating getting
to be outside a lot this
year. I’ve been getting
to interact with nature
in ways that I never
have before, and have
already learned a lot.
The OC campus is so
beautiful in many ways
and it’s really fantastic
that we get to spend
“The woodshop! Going to the creek. And I love playing with Brendan and my other friends, and I
our time here. This is
really love getting to spend time with Michelle and Jane. I missed OC so much!”
my first year in GTIV,
– Jack, Open Program (pictured above in the Open Program outdoor classroom space in the woods.)
and it’s been really fun
so far and I’m looking
forward to the rest of
the year.”
– Ella, Group Tutorial IV
Aria’s pirate crew reacts with enthusiasm to a shark sighting during a group game in Group Tutorial III.
26 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 27INTRODUCING
The Bonelli Family
What led you in this direction? Legos, building forts, building block What is your approach regarding Since the pandemic closure happened
Homeschooling was the next natural creations, working on puzzles, reading academics? Real Work? Play? we have really valued the fellow homes-
step in our parenting journey. When Max aloud together, dance parties, and elabo- Self-direction/self-motivation? chooling friends and connections we’ve
was very young we weren’t sure exactly rate fantasy world play. Generally speak- Our approach combines all of the above. made online, especially on Facebook.
what that would look like or how it would ing, the 3 youth all play well together. We believe to some degree our youth must Program opportunities spread quickly
happen. That’s when we started our search be proficient in the 3R’s (reading, writing, via word of mouth. We’ve jumped into
for a hybrid approach to combine outside What are some of the key pluses to this and arithmetic). We plan some academic virtual field trips, science classes, music
learning, socializing, and gentle self-direct- educational approach for your family? instruction into the weekly school-year classes, dance parties, craft making and
ed learning. The biggest plus I see is how much free calendar even though it may not be a pre- virtual storytime. This is all outside of the
time our youth have to learn to play well ferred task for some. (Outside instruction very rich virtual programming that Open
How did you get involved with Open together as I mention above and to explore has been very beneficial in this regard). Connections provides during this time.
Connections? their interests. We make sure not to over We also believe in following interests The OC community and our fellow home-
We first heard about Open Connections schedule their daily or weekly schedules toward other “subjects” as well as lots of schoolers are our most valuable resource.
when Max was 3 yrs old and attended so that they have free time. Another big real work opportunities in day to day life.
Gymboree play classes. Max’s Gymboree benefit is participation in real everyday From your young people’s perspectives,
teacher, Marianne Sutera Rhoads, is a family life. All 3 of my youth participate What resources—people, books, curric- what are the main pluses of this type of
former OC parent and she recommended I in chores: cleaning, cooking, and laundry, ula, places or organizations (museums, education?
reach out for a tour. She was my first intro- as well as sibling care. I hope this empha- art centers, scouting, 4-H, businesses, Our youth are very happy with OC and
duction to unschooling. As soon as we had sizes learning and life are not isolated but etc.)—have you found helpful? How they love making choices about how to
a tour and learned about the philosophy part of real life. have they contributed to your youth’s spend their time. They recognize the
we knew it was a perfect fit. We enrolled development? difference between invited and uninvited
Max in the Pre-Open Program in 2012 What concerns or challenges have you Some of our favorite resources are our instruction and they appreciate how their
and we haven’t looked back! We knew OC experienced along the way? How have field trip destinations! We enjoy the zoo, voices are embraced and valued.
would be our educational home. you addressed them? Do you have any local arboretums (Morris, Jenkins, and
concerns as you look ahead? Tyler), Valley Forge Park, the Please From your young people’s perspectives,
What programs do your young people At times we had some concerns regarding Touch Museum, the Academy of Nat- what could OC do to further enhance
attend at Open Connections? academic development with our oldest. ural Sciences, the Franklin Institute, their OC experience?
Max attends Group Tutorial II on Tuesdays We turned to tutors and Outschool classes. the Aquarium and many more. We feel Max and Leo both say they would love
and Thursdays and Choice on Wednes- Part of the beauty of this approach is that exposure to these enriching places help even more outside and creek time. I think
days. Leo attends the Open Program on it’s incredibly individualized and person- our youth to develop and fine tune their they both really love and appreciate their
Tuesdays and Thursdays. We hope Serafina alized. We can fine tune our approach with own interests. OC experiences.
will be able to join the Open Program all of our youth and take or leave whatever Regularly scheduled extracurricular
when she turns 4. we determine are the best resources. activities such as sports, karate, and piano
One other challenge with this alter- lessons are integral to their development.
How do your young people spend their native educational path is that it is not I also can’t leave out the library as a very
time when they’re not at Open the mainstream and can thus invite valuable resource. Some specific math “Our favorite days are
Connections? unsolicited criticism from well meaning resources we’ve used are MathSeeds, probably the Community
Please describe your family constella- How long has your family been on this Our youth spend their time in a mix of family and friends. We have learned to Teaching Textbooks, and Life of Fred. Days where our youth get to
tion: Parents, names and ages of young path of self/family-directed Open self-directed time, direct instruction, be prepared to explain and defend our My youth also enjoy monthly subscrip- ‘play’ and be free to explore
people. Education? sports, and family activities and outings. choices. We’ve also learned to not invite tion clubs. They do a cooking club and a
Mike and Julie (dad & mom), Max (11), We’ve been on this path ever since Max
the campus with their peers
Max takes regular weekly language arts the conversation if we’re not ready to have craft box subscription. Outschool tutors
Leo (6), and Serafina (3 1/2). was born! When he was a baby we were classes on Outschool. Max and Leo both a discussion. and/or private in-person tutors have
in an unstructured way. ”
introduced to and then followed gentle take karate classes. We enjoy family hikes worked very well for our family.
parenting. This naturally transitioned to and nature exploration. Our youth also
baby/toddler led learning/playing. spend a lot of time in free play building
28 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 Open Connections Magazine | Winter 2020-21 29You can also read
