People were a little uneasy at the start. I think that many of them expected to spend the day listening. They even referred to the day, before things got started, as a training workshop. But then Vana, the third grade teacher, began to explain how the day would work.
That’s her on the left.
Here, she’s showing people how they can write a subject they want to talk about on a sheet of paper and tape it to a board along with a slip of paper announcing where the conversation will take place.
We had a few smaller participants.
Once there are several subjects listed for each timeslot – this particular Open Space meeting had two timeslots available – the group scatters. Participants seek out the topics they are interested in, and the conversations begin.
After Vana’s explanation, folks got right to work. Paper and magic markers were waiting in the middle of the room, and people got up and started writing down the topics that interested them.
Teachers were available to write down topics for those who couldn’t do it themselves. Someone who decides to write down a topic, then announces it to those present before they tape it to the wall.
Some topics were questions, such as “What’s the best way to raise our children?” and “Isn’t the best way to teach our children for us to become their friends?” Others were issues, like “Punishment” and “Family Planning.” Finally, some were opinions, like “Raising children is not all hugs and kisses,” “There are alternatives to paddles,” and “Children are really naughty.”
Within a few minutes, we were ready to go. The group scattered into twelve separate small groups to discuss twelve different topics. The small groups met in various corners inside of and outside of the school.
The kids formed their own group.
Not everyone spends all the time in one of the small groups. The informality of the process means that an Open Space meeting is a good place to chat seriously.
Sometimes, someone will suggest a topic that no one else really wants to discuss. At an Open Space meeting, this is not a problem, but an opportunity for private reflection.
After two sets of small group meetings, the staff served lunch.
Enel and Anes were responsible for bringing it out from the kitchen and serving.
After lunch, we got back together in a large circle to talk about the day. Everyone had a chance to say a few words about the conversations thy had participated in.
Abner Sauveur, the school’s principal, said a few words at the end of the day, but they were mostly words of thanks for the participation of all those who attended.
It was a remarkable day. People talked seriously, but also cheerfully, about their struggles to raise kids they can be proud of.