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…
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…
The children are curious about living bugs and the teachers are curious about what exactly drives this curiosity. Is it the living creature’s nature? Is it the feeling that comes to you as you encounter a bug? Is it trying to understand your role as a child with nature? Is it all of these pieces…
The Book Fair was a great event – thank you to all the parents and teachers who supported this. Not only did we receive donations from Ava’s (EW) family, but Estelle (EW), Jake, Charlie (EW) and sister Lucy L. (WW), Ennio (WW), and Lily (EW) also dedicated books to the NSW library from Book Fair.…
On our first day back in the new school year with Stuart, our intention going into Sound and Movement was just to reconnect with Stuart and his instruments. He brought back his djembe and guitar, instruments the children became familiar with last year, and a few familiar games. Jacob taps the djembe very lightly and…
This school year started with some exciting events and the children in the East Wing have welcomed two new siblings, Alma (Arrow’s sister) and Von (Poppy’s brother). The enthusiasm and curiosity surrounding pregnancy, birth, babies, and traditions (like the ‘photo -shoot’) around these times, are evident by the dramatic play in the House Area. …
We’re seeing a lot of sweet transitions into school with parents sitting with children and making the snack menu. It’s also really empowering to look forward to making the snack on your own if you’re familiar with the process like a lot of our East Wingers. Thank you for spending the time and for thinking…
Kenny (Harrison’s dad, EW) played the Shofar horn, a family tradition in celebration of Rosh Hashanah, during the East Wing morning meeting. Kenny: Back in the old day, when people had to call their friends, they didn’t have phones. Chase: So they had to blow the horn? Kenny: That’s right. And it’s really…