Elementary learners generate a list of tasks and divide the work evenly. Over time, we re-assess the list. The learners add tasks that they had not anticipated originally and remove unnecessary duties (like cleaning the refrigerator once a week). They divide the tasks by the number of learners, ensuring that each person gets an even amount of work. These divided tasks are posted on the wall. They also designate a champion, who signs off on each person’s work. The learners decided that the champion would change every session and that the learners would switch tasks each week.
As the weather grew nicer and the rush to get outside at 3:15pm increased, the quality of studio maintenance deteriorated. Dishes were left in the sink, papers were strewn on desks, and food was left on the floor. Ants made their way into the studio and the learners began to find it difficult to focus during work cycles. It was time for a reset.
During a morning launch, the learners were asked in what ways they consider the studio sacred. Why is this one of our beliefs? What systems are in place to help uphold this promise?
The learners said that the studio is sacred because it is the place where they learn every day. Because the studio is sacred, they respect it, and one way that they show this respect is by cleaning it. When the studio is clean, it benefits them because everything is organized; they can easily find what they need and focus better. Plus, by completing studio maintenance every day, the amount of mess never gets so overwhelming that it takes longer than 15 minutes to clean.
We discussed the broken window theory, which argues that people tend to treat a neglected space with further neglect because they assume no one cares. We looked at pictures of the studio taken the day before, after studio maintenance. In each picture, the learners identified ways they could improve. They then reassessed the task list and recommitted to checking in with the studio maintenance champion before leaving.
Studio maintenance has greatly improved since this recommittal. At 3:15pm, the studio looks as it did when the learners came in at 8:45am. The ants are gone and the learners are finding joy in working in a space that they are responsible for maintaining.