THE NSW NEWS October 14, 2015
“…Because as humans, we need to belong. To one another, to our friends and families, to our culture and country, to our world.Belonging is primal, fundamental to our sense of happiness and well-being.” -Gregory Walton, Social Psychology
At the New School-West Preschool, we value children as co-creators of their own knowledge with parents, teachers, and community. In the Fall of 2014, the teachers asked an important question: “How do our children perceive themselves as community members?” In 2015 we began to make relationship with the people in the shops on Venice Blvd. Last time, we got to know The Dogromat.
Are You Open? Valuing a sense of place at home, in the school, and within the community.
I CUT MY OWN HAIR -Nico
At Jess’ Barber Shop, we met Steve, the son of Jess, who began the shop in the 1950s. The place was busy, and the children were curious. Steve took the time to interact with us.
James (4 years old): What tools do you use?
Steve: That’s a good question. One hundred years ago, they used hand clippers. They used those on your great, great, grandaddy. I see you get your hair cut. Do you know the name of your barber?
Nico (4 years old): I cut my own hair.
Steve: People used to get their shoes shined while getting their hair cut.
While Steve showed the children the artifacts in his store, the children chatted comfortably with him, the other barbers, and the customers. Make an appointment for a warm welcome at Jess’ Barber Shop at: (310) 397-7292 12822 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066.
FOLLOW YOUR NOSE -Theo
The children were drawn by their noses to the wonderful smells coming from Hurry Curry. Close to the restaurant was a pigeon nest they investigated. The children entered the restaurant and Raj greeted them.
Ava (4 years old): Why do you have an “A” on the door?
Raj: It is the number one. “A” is first, it means the restaurant is good, clean, everything is good.
Navin (5 years old): What foods do you use?
Raj: Fresh vegetables, oil, chicken.
Max (5 years old): I like the restaurant. I never tried the food.
Raj: Thank you very much. You can try it at anytime!
Raj held a warm smile on his face during our whole interaction, and we enjoyed our conversation. The children did mention the pigeons, and Raj knew about them. He said he was waiting for the eggs to hatch before he clears away the nest. We felt we had good idea of Raj based on his regard for the pigeons outside his restaurant, his respect for their home, and the high quality of his restaurant. Several of us eat there daily and were delighted to meet Raj. Drop in for a bite!
Max (5 years old): Why do you call it Hurry Curry?
Raj: Hurry and quickly go.
12825 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066 (310) 398-2948.
