The children brainstormed different ways to exchange messages between the Aloe Vera and Basil groups. Once formulated, we not only challenged the children to test their ideas, but also noticed their initiative to put those ideas into practice and to spontaneously develop creative ways to communicate. In the Aloe Vera group, Presley shared with her…
When the teachers delivered the children’s first set of notes, we reflected how our actions interrupted an opportunity for dialogue and imagination with the children. With the intention of slowing down, we invited them to brainstorm the multiple ways in which we can deliver messages to the other group. Jack: I have an idea. You…
Dear West Wing Parents, One of our hopes in planning for the beginning of our school year is to give the children a strong sense of security and predictability as they become more familiar with the schedule. Their capability to connect with the experiences and with the people in the school environment proves that they are…
Working in the Middle Courtyard offers the Cilantro group the gift of sitting in the center of the whole community of NSW. Through our transparent dividers, the group was welcomed by the Aloe and Basil East Wingers and introduced to the other WW pod, the Dandelions. During our first days, the children became very curious…
First school experiences are founded in social and emotional engagement with others. In our current context, with masks and physical distancing, the West Wing teachers have been thinking deeply about how to establish and sustain a culture of collaboration and shared, communal experiences. We wonder how we as individuals come together to form a community?…
Hello West Wing families, We are at the end of the first week! The West Wing truly came alive with the children’s curiosity, laughter, and openness to trying new experiences. It feels so good making new relationships and learning who we are together! We are all in transition. Establishing new routines and taking the time…
Since the beginning of the West Wing, our intention has been to build community through relationships. With thoughtful observation and planning, we saw our intention come to life in our day to day practices throughout our school day both indoors and out. The children’s relationships with each other and with the teachers stretched and grew…
Birthdays are special times for many of us. A time for us to stop and receive loving and caring attention. In children’s lives that are sometimes very structured, where cooperation is prioritized to make all the parts of the day move, birthdays are a chance to fill up. Traditionally, we have invited parents in to…
Hello everyone! We have made it through the first two weeks of school! As expected, the children are adjusting to the change in routine and new systems we have introduced. As we continue to find ways to stay connected and re-evaluate the practices we have put in place, we remain flexible in how best to…
It was lovely greeting you WWingers this morning after your first day saying goodbye. Now’s the time to take a moment to breathe in and breathe out and give yourselves a much deserved hug. I don’t think any amount of prep can really predict how first times will go and though we work really hard…