On the importance of lunch and lunch box bags
This year we have redesigned the timetable to split the middle school and high school lunches. It's a small technical change; but it is also rich in meaning. This week I want to slightly unpick what it means for us.
Firstly, half the queue and double the space. The result of this? A leisurely, grown up feel, where students can relax and socialise, and use a quiet voice and still be heard. A spaciousness and friendly feel. For all students, but particularly those who need less noise and tumult, an emotionally and psychologically safe space.
Secondly, the board and card games are beginning to come out, especially helped by the total absence of phones.
Thirdly, staff on duty are more relaxed and happy, and have more time for conversations to build relationships.
Fourth, there is less mess as children feel more accountable for an environment that makes them feel they belong.
Fifthly... well, I could go on, but you probably get the idea.
The thinker and feminist author Ursula K Le Guin has a theory called 'The Carrier Bag Theory of Evolution'. She points out that anthropological explanations of human evolution often focus on highly aggressive (and stereotypically male) tools like spears or arrows. She simply points out that life as a hunter gatherer without a bag is impossible. Try it. After your first hour of crushed blackberries in your hands as you try to climb up something or try to bring home roots to the family, and you'll work out that given the choice of a spear for a once a month meal of a reindeer, or a bag to feed the family everyday, you'd take the bag every time. Her theory reminded me that sometimes we focus a little to much on the obvious, dramatic and exceptional - but the things that bring true quality of life are often more domestic, kinder and social. Like having a calm lunch time.
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