Barefoot Zoe with Jackie and Johnna
One
thing that makes me feel happy every time I arrive at The Clearwater School is
that I don't have to put on shoes to go and find my kids, and that I often see
at least one or two barefoot kids right away as I walk through the parking lot.
Maddy's walking feet
Shoes
are required at most schools, because many people believe that bad things would
happen if students didn't wear them.
- They could be injured by broken glass or other sharp items.
- Germs could spread.
- People would sue each other.
- It must be a violation of health codes.
- Kids who are allowed to go barefoot at school won't be successful in the real world, where shoes are required.
- Bare feet are a distraction in class.
- Bare feet are indecent.
- Chaos would break out without a rule requiring shoes.
Jacy in the office
On
the other hand, there is a small but growing number of people, myself included,
who are convinced that none of these fears are based on reality, and instead
believe that going barefoot as much as possible is actually much healthier and
safer than wearing shoes. If you are interested in learning more, this website
is a great place to start. And here's one specifically for parents which mentions Sudbury schools.
Reading
the information about the many joys and benefits of bare feet, I would be
tempted to think that if kids weren't required to wear shoes at school, none of
them would. And they would all grow up happier, healthier, stronger, and safer
as a result. Pretty soon the whole world would be better place.
Krista
Since
shoes are not required at Clearwater, I have had the chance to find out what
actually happens if kids don't have to wear shoes at school. The truth is that
nothing very dramatic happens at all. In fact, most of the people choose to
wear shoes most of time. I guess they want to keep their feet warm or to avoid
stepping on sharp things. But I always see a few barefoot kids indoors and out,
and if you see a barefoot mom walking around Clearwater, that's probably me.
Sometimes people are mildly curious, but mostly no one really cares. I've never
witnessed or heard about anyone with a foot injury at Clearwater, but if
someone did hurt their foot, I imagine that they would sit down for while and
put a bandage or ice pack on it, just like with a scraped knee or hurt finger.
Lily rehearsing barefoot
I am always impressed by how fair and sensible the rules are at this school where kids vote on the rules. There are many rules at Clearwater, but the rules are almost never based on knee-jerk reactions to things or fear about extremely unlikely occurrences. The fact that there is no rule against bare feet is a great example of that.
The
best thing about all of this, in my opinion, is that individuals are accepted
and respected whether they are choosing to wear shoes at the moment or not.
And we all get to see that just because something is a little bit unusual
doesn't mean that it's a problem.
My two children have been attending Sudbury Valley School all of their school-lives. I, too, love the fact that shoes are optional, though there comes a point about two weeks after the first thaw when I wonder if their feet will ever be clean again...
ReplyDeleteNice post!
It's natural to be barefoot your feet become tough as a result and of course the bottom will be dirty that too is natural and it's much more healthier for your feet to be barefoot.
DeleteThis is indeed an excellent example of what I love so much about Clearwater and other Sudbury schools: the lack of arbitrary rules based on some perceived lowest common denominator of expectation.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the article. The barefoot lifestyle is a healthier choice in regards to preventing future problems down the road such as back, knee, and foot pains to name a few.
ReplyDeleteIn New Zealand it is common to see barefoot kids, many go barefoot to school in the summer. When in the USA years ago on a holiday, I was kicked out of a supermarket because of my bare feet, something that would never be a problem in NZ
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised the kids wear shoes as much as they do at Clearwater school. They probably don't all realize how unique it is to have that option at school. I don't see any problem with it at all, as it is healthy and fun. Obviously, in life there will be times when they will need to wear shoes, and they can when they need to. With the warmer weather, it is definitely a good time to encourage your kids to take advantage of this and to leave their shoes and socks at home :)
ReplyDeleteMy kids can't even wear SANDALS. Closed-toe shoes only, along with the mandated uniforms. Hate it. :(
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I also grew up in South Africa where wearing shoes, especially for kids, is optional. Barefoot children are much happier and they grow up without any of the modern hang-ups connected with bare feet. Going barefoot is healthy and it looks good too!
ReplyDeleteObviously none of the concerns are true, as the footwear-optional schools show. If bare feet are a regularly seen option they won't be a distraction, rather it's better for concentration if you aren't bothered by enclosed and sweaty feet. Schools are a safe environment or can easily be made so, school rooms are cleaned daily so germs are not a problem. It's certainly much healthier. So schools should encourage bare feet (not just in school, also on the way to school and back) and provide places to leave your footwear during the day, together with jackets etc. I'm all for pointing out the advantages of going barefoot, but it shouldn't be mandatory: If you're forced to do anything you will sooner or later hate to do it.
ReplyDeleteMy teacher at my school told me to put on my shoes WHEN I WAS SITTING ON MY SEAT!
ReplyDeleteSo you were sitting barefoot? A had a similar situation
DeleteMy kids (3 girls, ages 8, 10, and 11) have always attended a "footwear optional" school and have NEVER worn shoes to school. And guess what? They are happier, healthier, and better adjusted. I wouldn't have it any other way!
ReplyDeleteWonderful
ReplyDeleteI love very see children barefoot because i love very their feet with all my soul and heart
Children are for me little brothers
Susan, do you know of any state laws mandating shoes in public schools as well as private schools?
ReplyDeleteThere are no state laws requiring shoes in public or private schools, but schools can set their own policy. The situation is similar at restaurants and other businesses - there are no laws or "health codes" requiring shoes for customers, but business owners may have a policy if they wish.
ReplyDeleteMy kids go to Clearview Sudbury School in Austin and often go barefoot. My son did learn a hard lesson one day when he stepped on a tack. But he still choses to go barefoot sometimes anyway.
ReplyDeleteGreat post on this topic from Fairhaven School: http://www.fairhavenschool.com/dirty-feet-fairhaven-school-and-barefoot-culture/
ReplyDeletePeace and Good!
ReplyDeleteBlessed schools which accept barefeet among its pupils!
Blessings!
Br. Alberto Guimaraes OFS
Braga ─ Portugal
I wish I had attended a school like that. Unfortunately we had shoe police
ReplyDeleteI've always been embarrassed to go anywhere in public barefoot ever since I was 12 years old
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, in my high school for the graduation ceremony, there was an extreme double standard dress code, where males were mandated to wear the kind of dressy shoes that fully covers the foot and dressy socks on top of that! ŠMH! And this also applies for office jobs, like literally! #DumpAllTheBiasedDoubleGenderStandards4OnceAndAll
ReplyDelete