We’ve collected extensive artifacts in our quest to better understand non-verbal communication and emotions. Together we review photography, line drawings, keywords, watercolor paintings, and scenarios introduced by the children that have evoked or elicited a feeling. Jake creates a watercolor painting with a representation of a person experiencing an emotion. This is the first time…
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The children and teachers have been recycling some of our old paper to reuse it and make new paper with the children. This process supports to develop a deeper understanding of what it means to recycle. In the last two weeks, we’ve involved the children in brainstorming ideas of what recycling means. Ozzie: Recycling means…
As the West Wing children continue to explore representing feelings through watercolors, new keywords for feelings are expressed. We discuss the possible meanings of these new words and continue to delve into the shared understanding we are trying to convey and the feelings we are trying to express. Jacob: It is going to take a…
During a morning drop-off time, Teacher Jen and Zoe Foxley (Gus, EW) engaged in a short discussion about the documentation and progression of Loveland. They reviewed the children’s words about “bad guys” and the jail that was on the outskirts of Loveland. Zoe began to share her perspective from a much bigger lens. As it was…
We’ve talked about feelings, named them, defined them… but then we wondered: What does a feeling look like? We’ve explored photography, tracing, and then we introduced watercolors. The draw of choosing their favorite colors revealed how children quickly confronted that an intention can get lost in expression. Our meaning can be misread, misinterpreted, misunderstood. Color can mean different…
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Reflecting on our work is one of our values in our philosophy. We practice approaching the same idea over and over together when developing a classroom culture that honors community. Questioning each other’s thinking supports children in finding ways to explore and articulate their ideas and to listen deeply to the suggestions of others. In…
This morning in the sand area, the children decide to work together to uncover ancient “dinosaur blood” buried deep beneath the sand. To complete this job, Ozzie requests “the big shovel”. The children agree to the safety procedures necessary and everyone puts their closed-toe shoes on. Rio begins digging. It’s hard work. The shovel is heavy,…
Parents and Friends, Sean O’Keefe did a beautiful job capturing your children this month. Take a look! [Show slideshow] 1 2 … 4 ►