Last Saturday, Roleen and Ellen Khokha taught their Reggio class on ground at New School-West The Stevens (Harrison EW), Michies (Hayes EW), and the Karsentys (Diego WW) hosted a yummy Mediterranean Night with good spirits all around. On Tuesday, and every first Tuesday of the month, the parents host the the teachers for lunch! Thanks,…
Flowers and compost scraps to feed the worms that keep our garden beautiful were donated by Diego (WW). Aric (Everly WW) made and donated the first of three planter boxes for the side yard while Harold (Diego WW) donated trellises. All of them on the Gardening team, John (Kirby WW) and Naomi (Tallulah WW) and Brandi…
While making shadows in the atelier, a group of children theorized that the shadows would be stronger if the the room was darker. We tested this theory by using black fabric to cover some open spaces. The group was challenged: How could they darken the space even more while still having the overhead projector on? Ozzy…
Anna (Mica, EW) shared a family tradition with the East Wingers this morning about remembering those in their family who have died. Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebrates our memories of loved ones with their favorite foods, traditional flowers, and symbols like sugar skulls (not for eating). The children were very…
Monday flowers were brought by Will (WW), Mason and Zoe O. (EW), Juliette (WW) and Emilio (EW). We had our first school year prospective parent tour this Thursday and Kelly (Will WW) sat in to give a parent point of view on New School-West. There were lovely smells from the kitchen with Jess (Chase,…
In the Atelier, a light and shadow exploration is offered by incorporating overhead projectors and multiple white materials. As with all materials, we wonder how the experiences will support the children in building relationships. Initially, some children move to the overhead projector and begin to manipulate the materials to project on the walls. Others are…
While Roleen and I were attending a California Mentor Director training in a remote, Franciscan, monastic retreat space near San Francisco, The New School-West rocked on… We started the week with Luca (WW) and mom Katrina bringing snack and creating the menu and Agnes (EW) and mom Amanda added to the snack and made pancakes.…
We recognize the children’s growth in the EW and see representational work emerging. When this happens, I often wonder how we support the intention of community contributions as well as recognizing the individual work the children create. In the Atelier, plastic mesh and wire are set up as a medium to introduce wire as a…
Silvana opened up our morning meeting with the question, “Who would like to share news?” Olivia raised her hand and shared, “My doggy Lukie passed away.” The children turned toward her and noticed that she had tears in her eyes. Everyone was very attentive, supportive, and empathetic. We reminded her that her first appointment would…