The Reins Enkrateia
Ruling the pull of the moment (anger, a screen, the easy way) the way a charioteer rules his horses.
14 moments from Aim’s letters home, newest first. Each letter opens with the part that shows the reins highlighted.
Find a calling; change the world
A hero's journey requires discipline, intentionality, and the ability to push through discomfort in pursuit of something greater. Just like a great warrior must train their body and mind, a hero must cultivate habits that sharpen their focus, fuel their energy, and build resilience.
Read the letter →Will Aim become Lord of the Flies next year?
But I actually think it is during these formative times when we must be more vigilant than ever to resist the urge to step in and solve challenges for them or shield them from the consequences in order for this learning model to work.
Read the letter →A Tapestry of Lessons: Chess, Cooking, and Art
They realized that sometimes, the best move is to pause, assess, and then act with intention.
Read the letter →Would Aim still be your tribe...
And what's more, when I see parents resist the urge to snatch their children out of the grasp of this abyss, and instead acquiesce the broken heart that comes to all parents brave enough to enter their own cave and watch their children struggle, but hold on to hope and they do it nonetheless--that inspires me too. Hope is a powerful thing.
Read the letter →Session 4 Aim Academy Roundup - EES & DS
This process is messy (especially when it involves abstract concepts, ideas and systems), and it's usually harder for those watching. Bystanders (often adults) who "know more" will want to jump in and 'show how it's done' or try to take over from the sidelines. But they've got this!!
Read the letter →Exhibition Pep Talk
But I actually think it is during these formative times when we must be more vigilant than ever to resist the urge to step in and solve challenges for them or shield them from the consequences in order for this learning model to work.
Read the letter →My sincerest apologies...
Like when one eagle essentially had the rope around the back of his neck (no choking hazard, but painful at times), a few of his fellow travelers suggested he lower it around his waist. He refused and said he wanted to keep the challenge because he didn't want to take the easy way out.
Read the letter →The Story Continues...(3/3/22)
The hours passed by with a few moments where some couldn't wait a second longer and cried for battle! They never went through with it though as others nudged them that it wasn't quite the right time yet.
Read the letter →The Price of Freedom (3/1/22)
They all exchanged looks. A few of the eagles could almost bear it no more. One literally had the first few words coming out of her mouth when all those around her shook their heads and silently willed her to go on. She did.
Read the letter →Year 2 Session 1 (9/18/21)
They are learning things like freedom needs to be matched with responsibility. Misusing freedom actually has consequences. They are essentially learning that they need to manage their freedoms, or be managed by them!
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 4 (2/6/21)
Their fellow traveler considered this for a moment, finished their final game on Reflex Math and dove into Beast Academy.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 3 (12/11/20)
The studio discussed whether frustration, pressure or stress is an excuse to break promises on the contract (the resounding answer was no). Finally, they shared strategies of what to do when you are feeling frustrated, pressured or stressed. For some, they said they like to go outside and run around for a couple minutes.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 2 (10/23/20)
For each time the Yacker Tracker’s red light turns on and the buzzer goes off, the Eagles lose a minute of Free Time during lunch. If it doesn’t go off once, they earn an extra 5 minutes of Free Time. The Eagles took this challenge head on by not setting it off once!
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 1 (9/25/20)
With the goalposts constantly changing with each subsequent question asked, the Eagles grappled with this moral dilemma. Yet again, they demonstrated the ability to engage meaningfully while upholding the Rules of Engagement to a T.
Read the letter →