week twenty-three: Balance
Britt Freda
The first week of Spring was all about balance. We practiced balance with our bodies and lightweight objects. We counter-balanced with one another. For main lesson, we retold and illustrated our own story of the balance of life and death on a farm. (The life and death of a Homestead chicken named Borage whose killing by a bald eagle we witnessed the previous week.)
In an effort to keep our relationships with each other and the more than human world around us in balance we reviewed and revised our community agreements. We recommitted to honor our agreements and remind one another to honor the agreements.
What follows are the Community Agreements the children and I have created and recently recommitted to:
HOMESTEAD COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS
Listen with your whole body when someone is speaking
Speak from your heart.
Try your best to always be kind.
Speak up, especially when you have a need that is not being met.
Listen and respond to others’ requests immediately.
Check in regarding individual comfort levels with regards to play.
Quiet voices and calm bodies inside the yurt at all times.
Respect the sacred fire circle.
Honor each others' family’s choices, (for example; no discussion of movies or t.v)
Co-create a safe learning environment for everyone. Use your common sense , ( for example; no throwing objects at each other, no sword or gun play, and no teasing.)
Resolve conflict with your words directly or ask for Dana’s support.
Interact with the farm animals in ways that build trust, (for example; no chasing, spooking, containing, restraining or poking them.)
Always share fairly.
Be truthful and take responsibility for your actions.
Honor the community agreements and remind each other to honor the agreements.