Free Range Project
Oak Knoll School

March 15, 2016
  
Dear Parents,

As part of Oak Knoll's theme this year we have encouraged our students to CONNECT with each other, the community, the world. A wonderful way to connect with the community is with a "free range project" which we would like to invite you to do with your children over the next month or so. 

As many of you will remember, two years ago, Oak Knoll was inspired to go "free range" after having Lenore Skenazy come speak to our community. That year our theme was courage and over 100 students (and parents) had the courage to do a free range project! This year, we were happy to see that many parents attended the MPCSD Parent Education Series event with author and former Stanford Dean, Julie Lythcott­-Haims. Parents left this event inspired, motivated, and more willing to allow their kids to do more for themselves. They are hoping to avoid unfortunate outcomes that Julie shared regarding college students not being able to navigate their own worlds, problem­-solve, or develop a sense of independence. We highly recommend her book, How to Raise An Adult, as well as Lenore Skenazy's book, Free Range Kids.

So, what is a Free Range Project?
The project is to challenge parents to allow their child(ren) to "stretch" by doing something independently.

The project follows this simple 3 step format:
  1. Sign up by completing our commitment form by March 25th.
  2. Work together with your child(ren) to decide what they will do.
  3. Using our forms (that we will email you), capture your feelings and your child's feelings BEFORE and AFTER the project. The final project reflections will not be due until end of April.
Examples from our last Free Range Project : A kindergartener took a shower on his own, two 3rd graders took a walk around the neighborhood together with no adults, a student went to a local store and bought something on her own.

Outcomes from our last Free Range Project included reports from parents saying that they noticed a difference in their child's confidence and students feeling that their parents were seeing them as more capable.

If you are interested in participating, all you need to do now is complete the COMMITMENT FORM by March 25th!

I am looking forward to this project, and hearing all about the children's (and parents'!) experiences.

With gratitude,

Kristen Gracia