The Not Back To School Day

Hi, my name is Lillias. I am a co-founder of We Are Wonder and together with Gina we envisaged the core values at the heart of all our offerings. I have since stepped back in my active delivery role, supporting the team strategically as an active Board member of the CIC. Both my children participate in The Den and The Nest and I am a grateful member of the community (also currently loving the monthly makers circle Hearth).

“What do you do all day?”

This post is taken from a piece of writing I made earlier this year for Substack. It is not directly about The Nest, The Den or We Are Wonder but rather how we weave together offerings and interests to build a home educated/un-schooled family life in Glasgow.

I have been asked the question ‘but what do you actually do all day?’ more times than I can count recently by families curious about home education/unschooling or flexi schooling. So I thought it deserved a post and that it may also be of interest to the wider We Are Wonder community.

I do not delve into the reasons why we decided to home educate or our values. It is simply a documentation of one week in June 2024. I hope it will also answer questions about the practicalities of money/time and how as a family we find balance between our passions, creative work, earning a living, personal and family life. I welcome a dialogue with you and any questions/comments you may have.

This is snap shot: ONE day in our life. A day out of ONE week, in the month of June and does not reflect ‘home education’ in general. I have tried to authentically capture our day, yet it is nevertheless seen through a lens of positivity as you do not see the moments of meltdown or conflict which occurred!

There is only one very brief sighting of my partner! This is not to say that he is uninvolved with, or unsupportive of home education - quite the opposite but Monday is his work day.

Sit down with a cuppa and enjoy the read/viewing…

August 2024 (first week back for Scottish schools)

My finger has been hesitating over the ‘send’ button due to an incredibly busy few months painting my latest picture book, but also sitting in acknowledgment of my privilege, which I would like to recognise before sharing what feels a very personal account, and as such a vulnerable insight into our family life. All those who appear have given consent.

I am a white, educated woman. I was brought up in a family of artists with modest earnings but with a generous growth mindset. In watching the video of ‘our day’ I am acutely aware of our privilege but also that living differently for us, leans heavily on the investment of time and passion over money. We are making change. Raising children in a consent-based, self-directed, nature-led environment and questioning the way we live. I am proud of this.

Here we are - three years into home educating. The shape of our days has evolved with the children and I am aware it will look different next year or even next week. Flexibility is key and I have learnt not to be concerned with what could happen and focus on what works now. If it is not working, you have the power to change direction. If you feel your family needs something but it’s not available then you have the power to make it happen (like The Nest). 

We travel, we spend time with family in the Borders, sometimes the children become ill, plans change but on this Monday the 10th of June we are in Glasgow and our day looked like this (music by Crooked Still).

What Our Week Looks Like:

Steiner Group

An informal collective of three families that we set up in 2023. 

One of the parents is a trained Steiner School teacher and teaches the three older children. The other adults facilitate free play with the younger children before joining together for snack and painting or knitting session. 

10-1 Monday and Tuesday. 10-11:30 Wednesday. 

£20 a month donation per family towards materials

Wolf Pack Intergenerational Dance Group

Tuesday 6-7:30 

Myself and L attend

FREE

Glasgow Home Ed

Wednesday 12-4 

FREE

Swimming Lesson

Thursday 10:30 - 11 

£100 a month

NHS Speech Therapy 

Thursday 1-1:30

FREE (for S but L attends as well)

Circus Fitness

Thursday 6-7

Myself and L attend

£7 per person

The Nest

A consent based, self-directed, nature-led learning community for young people aged 5-16 which I founded with Gina in 2022.

Leo

Friday 10-4

£30

Woodland’s Outdoor Kindergarten (WOK)

S attends

Friday 10:30 - 3:30

FREE Council funded place

French School

Saturday 10-12

L & S attend

£35 per child per month

Play Time

We value free play and make sure there is plenty space for play moving freely indoors and outdoors, with friends, family, siblings and solo. It’s always self-directed. I am present, generally doing things around the house and available to help facilitate, but not entertain!

Home education/un-schooling is a whole family/community, collaborative endeavour. For us it is not just about the children. It needs to work for everyone. If you are interested in ways in which I fit in my creative work and how I feel home educating may open up time that I otherwise would not have if I worked from 9-5 you can hop over to my Substack for a read: More Time Not Less Creative tips which bend time! The surprising reality of home educating, mothering and creativity.

And leaving you on a note of authenticity… There have been many changes for us over the summer and on our return from our 6 week bike packing trip we felt a need to realign our week in response to our evolving individual and family needs. This translated into S & L joining The Den, an extra ‘work’ day for myself, shorter Steiner group days and Capoeira in place of Circus.

I am fascinated to learn how others make home education work for their family and also to hear questions coming from those who don’t currently home educate but are considering it. So please, if you so wish, leave a comment below.

Autism and Outdoor Learning: an Autistic Practitioner’s Perspective

Marwen is a Director of Wild Green Space CIC and works across projects at The Nest, Den and Roost at We Are Wonder. They are currently planning a 3 day event ‘Tangles in the Trees: a Celebration of Outdoor Autistic Play’ for Easter 2025.

“When I spend my time amongst green and growing things I am reminded of my organic self. It is the experience of being simultaneously in and of nature that helps me connect my thinking self with my blood,bones and muscles, with my aches and pains, and with my senses. This ephemeral awareness is at times  for me as a distant echo or a tiny voice, though when I am in distress it thunders and stamps, demanding attention at the expense of everything else.

Through a  quiet awareness of self and of my body existing in space I gain a greater awareness of my exact, in the moment mental state: am I tired? Thirsty? Joyful? Then come my spoons*  – those I have lost through exertion, through complex social interaction and through sensory overwhelm; and those I have to spare.  

Group tool use during a session of The Nest.

When I spend time in the woods I am more able to give myself time to notice these things about myself and to take stock of how they will affect my day or my week. It is a space that inspires stillness, reflection and in-the moment sensory feedback in a way that indoor spaces just don’t do for me. 

A comfy sofa in a heated room leaves my mind dull and my body sleepy, but a hammock or a tree swing in the woods, there is nothing more peaceful! I could gaze up at a canopy for hours in early springtime and look for patterns amongst the leaves, for signs of crown shyness or symmetry.

I authentically tap into my playful self with the basic and stripped down nature of our offerings. I find quiet, contemplative joy in the unravelling of string,then exhilarating order in the weaving of nets,webs or mouse sized ladders. I find a lot of satisfaction in a stick, carefully selected for its assigned purpose, I enjoy whittling away some of its imperfections and bringing others to light as it takes form into gnome or mushroom or spoon or humble tent peg. 

I love to have a project always at hand, something to do with my hands and my senses as I assist in the day's activities and listen to the needs of the group. I randomly and sporadically stim – uttering small nonsense words, humming, flapping my hands or steepling my fingers.

I often act as a mirror for the group, even when I am low in spoons to spare I can reflect back the vibe and energy of an individual at play as I resort to unconscious mimicry that adds weight to their comedy and turns silliness into full on skits. In this way I become less conscious of my position as an ‘adult’ and more in tune with the group. As a wild woodland being I can let go of social expectations, unmask a bit and  seek to use my imagination to weave stories, to entertain, to collaborate in world building and role playing.

Communication, processing words and simultaneous conversations can lead me to feeling exhausted and fragile after work – sensory overload from voices, high winds, loud lawnmowers and the constant ever-present hum of traffic that is unavoidable in an urban Glasgow park all chip away at my resilience. I find myself stuck in the minutiae, wading through small conflicts, trying to keep one eye in the future communicating to the group what will be happening. I believe this makes a difference to their comfort as well as my own ability to anticipate needs before they overwhelm me.

There is no greater privilege however than being able to live and work in an environment so well suited to my needs. To take a playful approach to life and work is a balm to anxiety and leaves me open to finding new interests and passion. These are often brought forth by the young people themselves in how I find ways to relate to them and to facilitate their learning”.

* Christine Miserandino coined spoon theory at a college diner to better explain to her friend what it was like to live with a chronic illness using spoons as a stand in for finite units of energy. A person living with a disability, mental illness or chronic pain has only so many spoons to spend on accomplishing tasks and must be meticulous with their decisions on what to use their spoons on in order to avoid going into deficits and risking burnout or a health relapse. Many neurodivergent people including myself resonate with this concept and use it as a framework for discussing our capacity on a given day. https://neurodivergentinsights.com/blog/the-neurodivergent-spoon-drawer-spoon-theory-for-adhders-and-autists

** For more information on participating in “Tangles in the Trees” please contact Marwen directly at marwen@wearewonder.org

The Nest: Fostering Outdoor Learning and Positive Connections for Young Minds

Fostering Outdoor Learning and Positive Connections for Young Minds

In a world that often seems dominated by screens and technology, fostering a connection with nature and real-world experiences becomes increasingly important for the development of young minds. "The Nest," is a unique outdoor learning community tailored for young people aged 5 to 11 in Glasgow. This consent-based project seeks to provide a space where children can engage in immersive outdoor activities, develop friendships, and explore the wonders of nature in a self-directed way, all while being guided by facilitators who prioritise safety, consent and positive experiences.

The Joy of Immersive Nature Experiences

As we delve into the feedback gathered during Phase 3 of The Nest from the participants, it's clear that the children are thriving in this outdoor setting. The range of activities they enjoy is as diverse as their interests. From playing Viking Chess to building dens, engaging in horse racing, and crafting mud bombs, the children are relishing every opportunity for creative play. It's heartening to see them immersed in activities that encourage both individuality and teamwork.

The natural environment of The Nest provides a canvas for their exploration, whether it's making art from bark and wood or simply revelling in the camaraderie of friends. The presence of hammocks, a pond, and a play park only adds to the excitement, making each visit a memorable adventure. The Wild Moon Café, where young minds are introduced to the basics of running a cafe, offers not only an educational experience but also a sense of accomplishment.

Challenges and Growth

Yet, no journey is without its challenges. The feedback shows that some children have experienced moments of exclusion or discomfort, reminding us that building positive social dynamics is an ongoing process. It's vital for The Nest to continue fostering an environment of inclusivity, where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Addressing issues of teasing and unwanted actions is crucial to maintaining a safe and enjoyable space for everyone.

Diverse Perspectives on Peers

Children's thoughts about their peers are as varied as the natural world around them. Some cherish the friendships they've formed, while others express a desire for more connections. It's a reminder that young minds navigate relationships in unique ways. The project's facilitators play a significant role in helping children navigate these relationships, ensuring that kindness and understanding prevail.

Facilitators: Guiding Lights

The feedback about the facilitators is overwhelmingly positive. Kindness, safety, and engagement are some of the qualities highlighted by the children. The facilitators, are seen as mentors and friends, contributing to the positive experiences the children have at The Nest. Their involvement in activities, whether it's joining in play or guiding learning experiences, adds a layer of authenticity that resonates with the children.

Proud Moments and Possibilities

As we listen to the children's proudest moments, we are reminded of the growth they experience at The Nest. From creating mud bombs to participating in a wildlife club, each achievement brings a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. The diversity of experiences showcases the well-rounded learning that happens in this outdoor setting. Whether it's through creative projects or leadership opportunities, The Nest is nurturing young leaders and adventurers.

A Journey of Continuous Improvement
The Nest is not just an outdoor learning community; it's a living project that evolves with each piece of feedback received. Suggestions for improvement include incorporating lively activities, introducing new equipment, and expanding the schedule to accommodate larger groups. The desire for inclusivity and diverse play options also stands out, highlighting the commitment to making The Nest a place where every child's voice is heard.

In conclusion, The Nest is more than just a physical space. It's a nurturing ecosystem where children can explore, create, and connect with the world around them. It's heartening to see the positive impact it's having on young minds, and the commitment to improvement ensures that this outdoor learning community will continue to grow and thrive. With the guidance of caring facilitators and the unwavering support of parents, The Nest is fostering a generation that values nature, consent, friendship, and the joy of exploration.