To prepare the East Wingers for the graduation celebration, we have been going on walks to Beethoven Elementary. On our first couple of walks, the teachers walked with smaller groups of children, and explored the stage in the auditorium by running around, and playing open ended games.
The teachers saw this as a way to get the children familiar with the space. As the walks progressed the children started practicing their songs on stage for the celebration.
Then the bleachers were set up, and the children began practicing walking down the aisle to sit in their spot on the bleachers.
After each practice, the group would go to the blacktop race track to run, and play.
The process of getting ready for the graduation celebration has become a tradition at New School-West, and both children and teachers find it fun and exciting. It’s a way to wrap up the year, and spend special time with each other. -Samantha