Everyday Classrooms

Abstract

Abstract “Everyday classrooms” implies routines that play out regularly in the village, which, incidentally, function as rich opportunities for learning. The “classroom” might be an irregular area in the village or camp that has been cleared of vegetation (thus reducing the incursion of snakes and insects). This area might serve as a gathering place for socializing adults and a temporary workshop where grain is spread to dry or fishing nets are repaired. At night it might be the scene of dancing around a bonfire. These exciting activities draw child spectators and eager helpers. The presence of adults, including those too old to forage or do field work, provides vigilant sentinels alert to injury and mayhem. Young children and their sib-caretakers will spend the greater part of the day playing on and near this space, which the Kpelle call the “mother ground” and the Mbuti bopi. Another everyday classroom is the workshop where experts practice their art in full view of children who replicate what they have observed in play and, gradually, take on a more active part in the work. These include, notably, sites where stone tools were made by prehistoric humans.