The East Wing children have been discussing NSW and how we could represent our community. They have considered animals/mascots that might best represent who we are and have worked together on ideas for a school flag. We shared this information with Stuart and while in conversation, Palmer and her red gloves reminded the teachers about the 80’s and how we are the oldest people in the room.
Jacob then responded with “Everyday we get older” which became our first lyric about their experience of growing up and who we are at NSW. Later, in a reflection meeting, the children were invited into the song.
See us sing: (password is – venice1987)
Jacob: Every day we get older.
Archer: Every day I practice, I get better.
Sometimes I grow, sometimes I don’t.
Rio: Every day I learn things.
Archer: Every day I get older, I practice better.
And every day it’s your birthday, you get bigger.
You go to a different school and you learn stuff.
Palmer: You learn homework.
When you are younger in the tummy,
then you come out and go to NSW.
Beatrice: And then you get big and come to a different school.
Rio: And we communicate to each other for respect.
Mazzy: And we play together.
Beatrice: And we’re nice!
Mazzy: And we play together all the time.
Rio: And we’re respectful for everyone in our community.
Roen: And we hike on the mountain sometimes.
Leah: We play together.
Gus: And I grow bigger.
Mazzy: And we go on a walk together.
Every day we get bigger.
Laz: Every time we get really old, we get littler
and we work together and we do partners.
Palmer: And we go on walks and celebrate and we go with partners.
Though the children have been thinking about who we are as a community, they hadn’t ever shared as much as they did in this moment. The language of music opened up a new way of sharing how they thought and felt about growing up. The lyrics show how much reflection is happening as they process growing up, growing older, and living within the values at NSW. -Teacher Jennifer