about
Welcome!
I’m Rebekka (she/they) and like many parents and caregivers, I’m pretty concerned about the state of the world right now.
I worry about our kids. I’m worried about their mental health, their critical thinking skills, their social and emotional development, their resilience, and their futures on this planet.
The data shows the concern is well-founded.
There’s not a lot I can do on their behalf to affect the course of late-stage Capitalism, climate change and systemic inequality, but I’ve started The Living Room as a place to imagine and practice other ways of being, and Trouble Makers to extend that practice to kids.
the vision
I believe the developmental needs of children include:
Real relationships with adults who trust and believe in them
Real time to pursue their curiosities, questions, and skills
Real work, not meaningless chores or projects
Real intellectual engagement, not rote academic tasks
Real understanding of how content knowledge will be of interest and use
Real things to develop their bodies, not subdue them
Real guidance and coaching, not shaming, punishment, and isolation
In the Trouble Makers Children’s Studio, kids take the lead. Their needs and interests dictate the direction that the program evolves.
My job is to support their process by identifying where their learning is happening and offering them engaging opportunities to extend that learning. Together we’ll try out ideas, develop new skills, explore materials and problems, and document our learning. To find success, we’re going to have to co-operate, support each other, and have lots and lots of fun.
We’re going to start with nothing but hand tools and small machinery, a big table, reclaimed and recycled materials, and the ideas we walk in with.
I can’t wait to see where our imaginations take us!
~ Rebekka
Individualized Curriculum
At Trouble Makers, the programming develops with and for your child. We provide scaffolded learning support to expand on each child’s specific interests, ideas, and skills, and assist them in planning projects and sourcing needed materials, equipment, and learning resources.
Together, students and mentors co-create the studio environment and program around their creative and developmental needs
the FRamework
Process/Inquiry-Based
At Trouble Makers, we focus on process over product and children are free to explore materials, ideas, and questions without specific end results in mind. Children of all ages learn best through self-discovery along-side curious, engaged educators trained to identify and expand on areas of learning.
Freedom of Choice
Where many educational experiences stress the importance of compliance and conformity to achieve specific results, Trouble Makers supports children to exercise their right to be involved in the decisions that affect them and actively supports students in balancing their needs with the needs of the group. Within communicated limitations - is it safe and respectful? - children are free to make choices for themselves and their work.
Real Tools
The Children’s Studio is equipped with real tools, including but not limited to hot glue guns, hand saws, hammers and nails, sewing machines, electric drills and rotary tools.
Students are supervised and supported in managing risks to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Analogue(ish) Technology
In seeking to best support children’s long-term cognitive development and executive functioning, Trouble Maker’s is 90% screen free. Our use of computers is primarily limited to online research at the Library. We are not 3D printing or using tablets and software to draw or edit, but rather using our hands to sculpt, draw, and create using physical tools and materials. We’re encouraging the development of neural pathways that will support learning and skills development, including the use of digital technologies. This position may change over time with the input of the students in the program.
Community-Resourced Materials
As part of our commitment to sustainability, Trouble Makers primarily sources from The Living Room’s scrap store to give new life to second hand, deadstock, and recycled materials.
Our Neighbourhood
We make use of local parks and businesses to source inspiration and resources. We make frequent research trips to the Oakwood Village Library to support our ideas and learning.
Mentorship
Trouble Makers is situated in a creative community and benefits from the skills and expertise of The Living Room membership.
Documentation, Assessment & Outcomes
With support, Trouble Makers will explore different methods to track and document their process and progress and are provided recurring opportunities to reflect on their learning and share it with others. The method is specific to each learner and can look like portfolios, project journals, exhibitions, presentations, or performances.
Small Cohorts
The Children’s Studio is currently limited to 8 students per session to ensure adequate supervision and one-on-one support in balance with opportunity for peer collaboration and group projects.
Everyone Belongs
Diversity is vital to a healthy community. Trouble Makers is an inclusive environment and seeks to meet the needs of all learners. We will use your child’s preferred name and pronouns. All brains and bodies are expected and welcome. Connect to us to discuss how we can work together to accommodate your child’s specific needs.
