The West Wing children are starting to have appointments in the Front Yard this week. The children are eager to work in this wonderful outdoor classroom. The teachers have been working with small groups and introducing the different areas available within this space. Also, it is a communal space where we meet children from the East Wing.
From the Paper House, Josephine (a West Winger) sat at a table observing almost every detail in the environment until her eyes rested on the photo roster sitting on the table.
Josephine: I know this kid.
Teacher Flora: You do? How?
Josephine: I visited his house before, many times! He is Theo [P.]!
Teacher Flora: You do know him!
When Josephine asked me for support in cutting her picture to fit into an envelope, I suggested she ask one of the children working next to her. Lucy (from the East Wing) kindly volunteered and afterwards Lucy walked with Josephine to the West Wing classroom to place this envelope in her file folder. When she returned, Josephine’s eyes then re-directed their focus toward the Wood Chip area and she reminisced:
Josephine: I remember when I had visits here with Mommy. I went onto the yellow slide. Mommy stayed with me the whole time.
Teacher Flora: And now you’re here on your own.
Josephine nodded her head and smiled.
Josephine’s experience in the Front Yard was rich. She recognized familiar faces, got support from an East Winger (who may have remembered what it was like to be new and offered assistance easily) and she connected her recent play day experiences with her mom to her current interactions. As the children find comfort and security in their new school, the teachers are looking for these transitional steps to support them as they settle in. They are all working very hard and we value each individual’s process. Some take longer than others but we promise, everyone will settle in.
-Teacher Flora
