"A person's freedom of learning is part of his freedom of thought, even more basic than his freedom of speech"
John Holt

A child learns to walk because he sees that the people who surround him walk. It falls, stands up, tries walking again, and falls... No one would even consider telling the child that he should put one foot ahead and then the other, lean forward (but not too far), etc... It will learn it while doing, and one will do so earlier then the other.

We would like to give the "space", also after the child's fourth birthday, for the basic urge of learning that each one of us has by nature. That means that the children know themselves when they are up to a new "step". From the guides it requires a continous observation of each and every one to discover the needs, which are often expressed in a non-verbal manner.
Every child, therefore, followsit's individual learning-path, and is being guided to independently express it.

It is almost needless to say that the school's surroundings must be atractive and challenging, where all materials and activities are available. Besides the more conventional school material, there is also a kitchen, a vegetable-garden, the space and opportunity to explore, and the possibility to go often on excursions.
Additional learning material is continuously prepared by guides and children, fitting the necessities of the moment.

Children learn mainly when they are motivated. This motivation usually takes place when one is involved in a process, and understands the importence and function (connection to 'real life') of what he/she is about to learn.
It's very difficult to read a book about a subject that doesn't interest you, because you're teacher said so!
Reading a recipe because you want to bake the cookies you love, is already a different story.

The children at Aventurijn learn from life itself. Doing and preparing things, watching grown ups at their work, etc... Through playing and experimenting there is a wide knowledge acquired, and once it's there, the following step to the abstract level is just a small one.

We attach great importance to the creative developement of a child. Through offering a large variety of art-activities (writing poems, sculpturing Egyptian reliefs, working with geometric forms, to name but a few examples...) and presenting a wide range of materials, the children have plenty of opportunity to explore and develop their creative intelligence. This intelligence is essential for the growth of cognitive intelligence.
No doubt, a creative person is the one who is truely prepared for the changes and challenges that the future brings.

Most children, up to age eight (give and take) learn mostly through motor development (that is, through exploring their physical impact on the environment). Therefore we try to set an example of listening, finding solutions together to problems that arise, and giving space to both verbal and non-verbal requests of children.

Schools and people who inspire us: Rebeca and Mauricio Wild, Sudburry Valley School, A.S Neill, Montessori, Steiner, Reggio Emilia, Gardner and many more.

Aventurijn is a small school, where the opportunity is given to learn from life itself in an adventurous way.

Would you like to know more about this form of education? Feel free to contact us at 31-55-5051222 (Netherland) or send us an e-mail to info@aventurijn.org