In the Forest Area in the East Wing, the children reflected on the need for a sun. Payton: “It would be pretty in the forest with a sun. It would shine out and make the animals fly, not just butterflies, dragonflies too. It warms up the animals, it makes them unfrozen.” Ophelia: “We need a…
East Wing
“You can make a heart out of anything.”-Carla
David’s empathy for his sister drives him to seek help in learning a new skill: “I want to make something for my sister. She likes it when things have a heart. But I don’t know how.” Teacher Paola, seeing an opportunity to engage David in communication, tells him: “Let’s go ask someone. Maybe somebody at…
“Animals looking for meat.” A forest story
In the East Wing forest, the children have acclimated to the new environment and the teachers plan to slow down the play and go deeper. With an intention to facilitate communication, Adriana and Flora have set up an appointment for the forest play that begins with creating a story. Genevieve- “We are going to write…
“It’s easy making books, but not the words so much.” -Jasper
Noticing a strong interest in storytelling and wanting to support literacy and communication, Cynthia introduced book making in the communication center. She talked with the children about the different parts of a book: beginning, middle, and end. After working with several children, three challenges began to emerge: Jasper: “My favorite part about my book is the snakes. It’s easy making…
“Yes Pets.” – Chase
The teachers have been observing animal play and habitat in the building space in the East Wing. They gathered the children to make a plan for their appointment. The children discussed their ‘animal park’. Flora provoked their discourse by asking “What kind of animals live there, and what kind would be allowed to visit?” Chase:…
Welcome Zachary!
Welcome Zachary and mom Jennifer, sister Zoe to New School-West. Zach’s family is living temporarily in the United States and returning to the U.K. in June. Zachary will join the Lavenders in the East Wing. His first day will be on January 19, 2012 – Next week!!
“…foxes don’t roar.” -Dashiell
The EW teachers, following up on the goal of discovering forms of communication, have posed a question to the “Forest” group: How do animals communicate with other species? In order to slow down the play in the Forest, the children must first agree on a story and design their ‘costume’ by drawing how they will paint their…
The EW and Philippos
As part of the next 6 month intention (please read the wall in the East Wing near the cubbies), we will be observing Philippos – Ivana’s and Kosta’s 4 month old baby boy, every other Monday. Our lens for this observation is non-verbal communication. “Why is he crying?” Paola asked… Maddox: I think he sees…
“You have to stand with your feet out.” Raven
Cynthia and Kris met with the East Wing curtain group who are interested in creating a space to put on the “Ballet Show”. They have designed their curtain decorations and are currently testing materials to transfer that design onto an appropriate material for the chosen medium. They’re looking at applique, fabric paint and embroidery in the…
“It’s a special way to make bricks.” -Lev
Flora was introducing the bricks as a support in the building space of the East Wing. Lev: “Why are the bricks red?” Flora, seeing an opportunity to involve parents replied: “I don’t know that answer, but I wonder if your parents would?” Jonah shared with Flora the next day, that Lev followed up with his…