Sudbury International is a network that connects and supports schools inspired by the Sudbury Valley School model—a model that has been around for over half a century and has been interpreted in many different ways across the world. The organization is not a franchise, an accrediting body, or a rulebook. Sudbury International provides a space for Sudbury schools to collaborate, a platform to share the many ways people practice self-directed education, and resources and support for those exploring Sudbury learning.
SUDBURY COMMUNITY VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB
Discover global connections. Join a vibrant community of friends, families, alumni, students, and staff from Sudbury schools worldwide. Explore diverse perspectives on educational philosophy and practice through multimedia resources.
The Sudbury Community Book Club is an initiative by Sudbury International designed to foster connection and community among the global network of Sudbury schools. This multimedia book club brings together friends, families, alumni, students, and staff from Sudbury schools worldwide to explore books, articles, podcasts, and videos that deepen understanding of self-directed, democratic education and build bridges across our diverse learning communities.
The book club embodies Sudbury International's mission of connecting and supporting schools and learning centers, providing both a platform for sharing experiences and a resource for those exploring the transformative potential of Sudbury learning.
Please join us on February 5th at 7:30pm ET - 4:30pm PT for the virtual Sudbury Community Book Club discussion, Playfulness
“Play unlocks the door to ourselves” - Lenore Terr
This month we will explore the role of fun and playfulness for our kids and ourselves. We have two books to choose from and a number of articles, videos, and podcasts. As always, the readings are optional, the important thing is the conversation.
Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity by Cas Holman
Bookshop.org | World Cat
The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price
Bookshop.org | World Cat | catherineprice.com
Join us for stories, strategies, and conversation.
Fun is absolutely essential for a well lived and joyful life.
How do we treat fun and playfulness with the seriousness it demands?
What are the components of True Fun?
How do we maintain a playful approach to life?
What are the conditions for free play to arise?
How do fun and playfulness change as students get older?
No time to read the book? Here are some suggested short cuts.
Podcasts:
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos : Laurie Gets a Fun-tervention (35 minutes)
The Transformative Power of Play, Aspen Ideas Festival podcast (46 minutes)
Armchair Experts - Cas Holman (1 hr 31 minutes)
Articles:
What are your fun magnets? And how can they help you find joy this fall? - Catherine Price
Radical Play at The Walker Art Center - Cas Holman
Video:
Abstract: The Art of Design (Netflix) - Cas Holman
Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life (TED Talk) - Catherine Price
Ready for a deep dive? Here are some options for going deeper in Fun and Play.
Free to Learn - Peter Gray
Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play Element in Culture - Johan Huizinga
Playing and Reality - D. W. Winnicott
The Ambiguity of Play - Brian Sutton-Smith
VIDEOS
Welcome to the Sudbury in Depth series, where Sudbury International takes a deep dive into the philosophy and practice of the Sudbury model. Each episode, three staff members from different schools will share their perspectives and experiences on a topic.
Enjoy this roundtable discussion with graduates from four different Sudbury schools as they share their experiences, insights, and how self-directed learning has impacted their lives. Hear firsthand how Sudbury alumni navigate higher education, careers, and personal growth—without traditional grades, tests, or a set curriculum.
The event features an introduction by Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life.
Watch Sudbury International’s recent webinar about community and autonomy in school featuring:
Cassi Clausen from The Open School in California, USA
Menahem Goren representing Sudbury schools in Israel
Daniel Merino from Udesya in Mexico
Christen Parker-Yarnal from The Miami Sudbury School, USA
Ellen Goode from WyldFlower Learning Center, USA
Je'anna Clements from Riverstone Village, South Africa
Blog Posts
Be sure to check out Sudbury International’s blog posts covering different aspects of the Sudbury School model, personal experiences with the approach to learning, democracy in Sudbury schools, the role of curiosity, what is learning, the role of conflict resolution, and much more!