Planning a pirate kindergarten

This workshop is designed for a group of families who are planning to build a pirate kindergarten in order to common childcare. The workshop can be conceived as a stand-alone session, or it could be preceded by the workshop Transgenerational Assembly.

Timing

3 hours

Keywords

Commoning care, childcare, space, self-organization

Tools

Let’s learn together

Step 1: Introduction to people (25 min.)

Ask participants to introduce themselves and the reasons why they need to share childcare. Encourage all to be as specific as possible about their circumstances.

Step 2: Introduction to neighbourhood  (25 min.)

Introduce yourself to each other in relation to the neighbourhood. What you know about it? Which spaces and people can be helpful for the project? Where are the green areas? And so on. Be as specific as possible.

Step 3: Let’s read (30 min.)

Read the Introduction and Chapter 5 of the book “How To Build A Pirate Kindergarten In Your Neighbourhood” (link) together.

Step 4: Making Consensus (60 min.)

Take the print-outs of QUIZZ 1, QUIZZ 2, QUIZZ 3, QUIZZ 4, QUIZZ 5 and QUIZZ 6. If you are more than ten, divide into smaller groups. You are asked to collectively discuss the statements. Be aware that the statements are not right or wrong per se, the scope is to collectively discuss them in order to find what your specific community believe is right or wrong for you. Also, be aware that ethics can change while practising :)

Step 5: Self-organizing is sexy (30 min.)

Take a print-out of MAP 6-1 and analyse it together, then divide into smaller groups and make a blueprint of a potential organizational map according to what the people involved and your neighbourhood need. Regroup and discuss. Remember to take photos of the maps and keep them for further steps.

Step 6: Self-organizing is very very sexy (30 min.)

Now take a print-out of MAP 6-1 and analyse it together, then divide into smaller groups and write down a list of the offline tools needed to start the project. Regroup and discuss. Remember to take photos of the maps to keep for further steps.

Step 7: Conclusions (10 min.)

Say goodbye to everybody and be happy because you have started to think together about a common solution to childcare and you are therefore involved in a process of ethical decision making. This is great!  But before you split, remember: 

  • To schedule the next appointment;
  • That the booklet “How To Build A Pirate Kindergarten In Your Neighbourhood” suggested here is not a model. Each community and context will find the best ways to answer its own needs and desires. In fact, one-approach-fits-all-solutions do not exist.
  • Just have fun, listen to people and take care of the planet!

Bibliography