Week 1 Update - Mr. Braden’s Builders

Hey Folks,

Week One of our Farm School Semester is in the books. Today's day was largely about introducing ourselves to each other, learning names, making agreements about how we will interact with one another throughout the semester, and touring the facility. They got to learn some of my rhythms for keeping the class together and we discussed how important it is that we work together to keep eachother safe during our time together. Both physically and psychologically.

In all honesty it isn't the most exciting day but it is a necessary building block for our time together. Beyond our introductions we made some agreements about how we will "be" while we are together. Here are some highlights:

1. We will be kind/polite with our words
2. We will be safe with our hands and feet
3. We use the "platinum rule" which means that we treat others how they want to be treated
4. No means no, stop means stop. We must have someone's informed, enthusiastic agreement before we enter into an activity with them.
5. When I ask a student to return to the group, they do so regardless of what else is going on.
6. We resolve conflicts before the end of the day. No one should go home angry.

We spent time with the chickens, did a scavenger hunt while partnered with people we didn't know yet (about half of the class is returning, mixing it up intentionally is important). And we finished the day with a hike out to visit and armadillo's home and go find the cows on the back 40. That hike took us right to pick up time. Our days will be more farm/wilderness-y moving forward but day one is an important one!