Visitors Say the Darnedest Things

Reading time is for everyone.

Whenever we have visitors, especially during our weekly open houses, we're always fielding questions about how we do things a little differently at Kalexedy Learning Center.

“When do they start their schoolwork?”

Each day we follow a general schedule with three protected hours of dedicated schoolwork time (9:00am-10:00am, 11:15am-12:15pm, 1:30pm-2:30pm) wherein students complete their assigned work. Without a need for running to lockers, transition time between classes, taking attendance, state testing, or any other of the disruptions to a traditional school day they can spend focused time and complete the same, if not more, academics than they would in a traditional school. For example, half of our students have completed a year of grade-level math and have already started on their next academic years'-worth of work, setting themselves up to be at least a third of a school year ahead when we begin again in the autumn.

"Why are they so quiet?"

They're reading! This was observed by a visiting parent during our half-hour of reading time from 1:00pm-1:30pm. Everyone is welcome to read outside of that timeframe as well, but this half-hour is held sacred - we all quietly read and create a respectful space for our friends to read as well. We change our Spotify playlist from upbeat, happy music to calming music and I make sure everyone has a book to read. If they dont, they borrow one from our extensive library. Afterward, we share about what we've read (no spoilers allowed) and fill out a book spine if we've finished.

“They can eat and go to the bathroom whenever they want?”

Any homeschooler knows that the snack and fruit budget increases significantly when our children are home rather than away at school all day. One thing that remains true is that while we have a set lunch time (12:15pm-1:00pm), where students socialize and gather around the same table, they can eat during any other time of the day as well. There's no bathroom pass (but, yes, we have bathrooms) and anyone can go whenever they need to -- there's no more rushing to go during the four minute passing period or announcing to your peers that you need to use the bathroom, only to be denied by your teacher because you've gone twice already this year. We respect the autonomy of our students to know their needs best. If they need a drink of water, or even a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea, they're free to get it whenever the whim hits. If they need a snack, go for it. Anyone can eat at their desks, or wherever they're choosing to work that academic period, so long as they clean up after themselves.

We would love to hear what you have to say when you visit us! We have Open Houses every Friday at our location in Framingham, Massachusetts. RSVP here!