What do we in Curio Club workshops?

We find, create, and share curios! 

(Remember, a curio is defined as an item that an individual finds interesting.)

The world around us is full of things we may find interesting. During the week we explore various challenge topics in search of something that sparks our curiosity. We use our imagination and skill to record our interests on a curio card—or other medium. 

We meet together weekly as a club to share our curios, and every few months we hold an open-house showcase to display our curios for friends and family in our wider community. 

What skills do we practice in Curio Club? 

Our club provides members with opportunities to practice numerous skill—both at our workshops and at home.

Here are some examples:  

• We practice verbal skills as we share curios in weekly circles and at the showcase presentation.
• We practice active listening skills as our friends share curios.
• We practice written skills as we document our work on curio cards and larger projects.
• We practice research skills as we explore challenge topics and our own interests.
• We practice creative skills as we look for interesting ways to express our interests through art, photography, and other mediums.
• We practice empathy as we attempt to inspire & inform our audience.
• We practice giving support to our community.
• We practice receiving support from our community.
• We practice appreciation for the unique contributions of individuals in our club. 

 What expectations does Curio Club have of members? 

The basics are pretty simple: 

• Members should show up on time for workshops.
• Members should show up prepared to share a curio for the weekly contribution circle.
• Members should prepare a curio display for the showcase, held at the end of each semester.
• Members should offer respect and encouragement to their fellow members.
• Parents & guardians of members should support their child in the above, and follow any other guidelines that are part of the “Responsibility” agreement. 

What are the structured times at a typical workshop? 

Contribution Circle: We begin our meetups with a contribution circle where members have the opportunity to share a curio that they have prepared in advance. Club hosts work hard to make members feel comfortable sharing with the group, and members practice actively listening to their friends as they share a curio. Circles usually last around 45 minutes, followed by free time. 

Activity time: We plan a variety of activities around art, research, storytelling, etc. We occasionally bring visitors from the community to give a presentation on an interesting topic, or do a guided art project. This typically lasts around 45 minutes. 

Closing Circle: We end where we began with a brief recap of the day, announcements for the coming week, and an overview of the upcoming focus challenge. This typically lasts 10-15 minutes. 

How much free time is there at a typical workshop? 

We typically leave more than half the time open for free time. These free blocks are scheduled between the structured activities. Parents and kids often congregate in the schoolhouse to chat, make curio cards, snack on the front steps in the sun, or play on the field, playground & skate park.