how is it like?

[satsuma]

I was interested in knowing the experience of children that go into democratic schools. Are they really as democratic as they claim or is it authority disguised? How is it in the primary age, what kind of activities they do with the kids?

I wanted to home-educate but I don't think I can cope with it. My child needs more help than I know how to give and I didn't have the time to grow and mature and need time for myself.

But I still want my child to be in an environment where learning is mostly child led.

[MommyPam]

Hi - My daughter goes to Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, MA. It is truly a democratic school. The weekly school meeting sets and enforces all the rules. Every child has one vote, and each staff member has one vote. There are lots more kids than staff members, so the kids have lots of say in what goes on.

You ask what kind of activities they do with the kids. The kids initiate all the activities. The staff is actually very careful to make sure the initiative comes from the kids, and really only provide guidance when asked.

From what I can see, there is lots of art, music, games, and tons of outdoor play going on. Kids of all ages play together and learn from each other. There is a pretty big garden, and my daughter enjoyed lots of gardening activities this year. It is very different from any other school I've every seen, and I'm really very happy that my daughter goes there.

Hope that helps.