Today, Laz’s mom Jess came to make snack with the children. She brought a selection of seeds, zucchini, pasta, kale, and ingredients for pesto. The children tasted the seeds. Some of them were reluctant. And many tasted the variations offered: plain pumpkin…
We are delighted to share the news that Teacher Cynthia is pregnant with a girl! Her due date is April 2nd, 2017. When we told the children – they cheered with delight!
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[Show slideshow] Reflections: Eva – You are exemplifying constructivism. Everything is made from scratch. No agenda but to support learning and interests. Intentional and developed creations, so detailed, more so than what adults are often capable of. So inspiring. Kate – My 5th year, every back to school night is so different. It’s amazing to see the…
The West Wing appointments organize the schedule to support children throughout their day. The schedule is built for long periods of uninterrupted time for freely chosen play with teacher support and for teacher guided, small group work. Research informs us that children make better all around progress in settings where there is a balance of…
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The Mo Willems’ Gerald and Piggie book, A Big Guy Took My Ball, is a favorite of the West Wing children. During a clay exploration, I referred to this story in order to engage the group in a figure investigation in the exploration space. Zelda: Look at this! (Holding up a clay coil) Teacher Jess: It…
Looking at two vials of blue colored water, the children started a dialogue on what names to give them: Aiden: This can be called Sky. Teacher Cindy: You called this one Sky, too. Aiden: That can be Night Sky. Isla: And this Daytime Sky. We later noticed another vial of blue. Cindy: Look. There is a…
While working with Charcoal at the West Wing Mini Studio, Teacher Amy observed pragmatics in action: Olive: I’m making my family. That’s me, and daddy, and sister, and grandpa. I can’t make mommy. I can’t do it. MJ: (overhearing): I can help. Both girls stared at each other. It seemed Olive was waiting for MJ…
A grizzly bear, a grizzly bear was sleeping in a cave. A grizzly bear, a grizzly bear was sleeping in a cave. Please be very quiet. Very, very quiet. If you shake them, if you wake them, they’ll be very mad. Grrrrr! Teacher Amy: When we feel shaking at New School-West, we are going to…