MICROSOCIETY Student Profile Success Stories

Imagine Schools at South Vero Beach, Vero Beach, FL
Jenn Melton

Time to Listen and Observe
As “grown-ups” we take so much control from our children. We inadvertently silence their voices, their thoughts. A MicroSociety learning environment calls upon us to give up much of that control – and it isn’t easy for us as educators. If I had not witnessed the power of actually doing it, I would not have thought it possible, let alone the right thing to do.
MicroSociety children think out loud. They are inspired and excited. When these young explorers speak to each other – they stop fighting because they want to be heard. I saw our children gradually become equals. Background differences disappeared. Their cumulative opinions help generate new ideas and enhanced decision making to help their venture flourish.
It is amazing how children in Micro find their place. During our first week of selling in the marketplace, a third grade boy bounded through the door. I knew him well – admittedly by reputation mostly. Still, anxiety shot through my veins until I remembered to let go.  I observed the boy and noticed that he was bright and focused, ready for his first day on the job.  The venture owner came to me – wide eyed with fear.
"Mrs. Melton. He has to go. No way is he going to be okay in the Science Lab.”
I sat back in my chair and said calmly “Well, let’s see. He never stops moving. He is talking to just about everyone. He has a voice that can be heard from the Hubble Space Station. How can those qualities benefit both him and the Science Lab?”
The owner’s face transformed. His index finger shot up like a flag on a mail box. “Mrs. Melton! Advertising – he would be perfect in advertising!”
Wouldn’t you know – this child normally labeled “trouble maker” suddenly had purpose. Drive. When he entered the room, he walked calmly with a straight back and watchful eyes and needed little instruction. He grabbed his Advertiser Card and went to work. Within 2 weeks, this walking talking billboard had earned a bonus for exceptional work. He was responsible for dramatically increasing the customer base of the Science Lab. One more child re-invented – by none other than myself – because I gave up my need to control. Amazing!

MicroCommunity School at West, Newburgh, NY
Gloria Moreau, Teacher

In early October, we had a Constitutional Convention. Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders wrote our Constitution and presented it at our first Town Meeting – an assembly of all our citizens. Several days earlier we had given copies of the Constitution to all the teachers to share with their students. This original Constitution excluded the kindergarten and first grade from the responsibilities of voting and paying taxes. It was felt they were too young for these tasks. At the Assembly, delegates discussed various articles of the Constitution. When it came to the point of deciding on rights of citizens such as voting and paying taxes, the younger ones started stamping their feet and stood up shaking signs saying, “Don’t Take Our Vote,” “We Want Our Vote.” The delegates were appalled. As far as they were concerned they had done a good deed. When we all settled down and discussed the matter, the kindergartners and first graders were able to ask questions and speak about wanting to vote. One of the delegates screamed back, “But you don’t have to pay taxes.” The younger students responded, “We want to vote. We’ll pay taxes.” It was decided to take a vote then and there. The decision for equal vote and sharing tax responsibilities was unanimous.

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