The Three Pillars of The Village
Living in Harmony with our Mind, Body, and Spirits
The Village is rooted in three living pillars: Community (Spirit), Earth (Body), and School (Mind) together these form the foundation of our holistic way of life. These pillars are not separate systems, but interwoven threads that nurture balance, connection, and collective well-being. Each one reflects a part of who we are, how we learn, how we live, and how we give back to one another and the Earth.
The Mind - Alternative Education
Essence: The realm of curiosity, imagination, and lifelong learning. Where each child and adult is a co-creator in their own growth.
Vision: To educate the whole being connecting the mind, body, and spirit through experiences that are alive, meaningful, and connected to the world around us.
In Practice:
- Holistic, nature-based education that follows the rhythm of the seasons.
- Inquiry-based learning that nurtures creativity, reflection, and self-awareness.
- Mentorship that inspires responsibility, empathy, and community-mindedness.
The Body - Mother Earth
Essence: The living land is our greatest teacher and mirror. Through our relationship with soil, plants, and animals, we remember the sacred connection of life.
Vision: To live in harmony with nature by tending the land, honouring the harvest, and learning from the wisdom of the cycles.
In Practice:
- Gardening, forest exploration, and hands-on stewardship.
- Caring for animals with compassion and responsibility.
- Learning the ways of herbalism, nourishment, and regenerative living.
The Spirit - Community
Essence: The heartbeat of The Village — a place where belonging, creativity, and joy are cultivated through shared experiences and connection.
Vision: To create spaces of warmth and togetherness where stories, music, art, and fellowship remind us of the beauty of being human.
In Practice:
- Seasonal gatherings that honour the rhythms of the Earth and the heart.
- Circles of reflection, ceremony, and co-creation.
- Celebrations that weave our community together through kindness, laughter, and shared purpose.
The Village Way Through the Lens of John Holt
1. Children as Natural Learners
At The Village, we trust that every child is innately curious and capable. Learning is self-directed and joyful, emerging naturally as children explore the forest, garden, animals, and community life. Like Holt said, children will learn — when given freedom and support.
2. Following the Child’s Lead
Education here is guided by each child’s interests and rhythms, not a fixed schedule. When a child is drawn to a project, a plant, or a story, we create space for them to dive deep — honoring Holt’s belief that intrinsic motivation leads to the deepest learning.
3. Learning Through Life
Every moment in the Village — feeding animals, building shelters, preparing meals, or observing the seasons — becomes a learning opportunity. Holt emphasized that life itself is the curriculum, and our approach mirrors this completely.
4. Freedom with Responsibility
Children are given choice and ownership over their learning, balanced with support and guidance. Holt taught that when children have freedom, they also develop self-discipline, accountability, and confidence.
5. Play as a Powerful Teacher
Play is sacred here. Through imaginative games, forest adventures, and creative projects, children explore, experiment, and problem-solve. Holt believed play is a natural and profound form of learning — and at the Village, it is celebrated as such.
6. Adults as Facilitators, Not Controllers
Educators at The Village walk beside children as mentors and co-learners, offering tools, encouragement, and guidance, but never dominating the process. Holt’s philosophy inspires this supportive, trust-based approach.
7. Learning Without Fear
Children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and encouraged. Mistakes are seen as opportunities, curiosity is honored, and every child’s voice matters. Holt’s insistence on fearless learning shapes the Village’s culture.
8. Unschooling Principles in Practice
While we provide a rich environment of materials, mentors, and experiences, the learning is emergent, flexible, and child-led — echoing Holt’s vision of unschooling. Children discover their passions and abilities naturally, with the world as their classroom.
9. Respect for the Child’s Wisdom
The Village philosophy embodies Holt’s fundamental respect for the innate intelligence and wholeness of each child. Our role is not to mold, but to nurture, observe, and guide — supporting children in becoming fully themselves.