This weekend, we threw open the doors and in two shifts we welcomed a hundred educators into New School-West. The teachers volunteered their time to speak about the work we do with children and make sure the spaces were inviting. At the end of each tour, Roleen asks for questions and collects reflections so that…
Journals
Parents as Partners – our glorious gardens
The Gardening Team worked hard over the weekend to update our community garden. They replaced dirt and broke and hauled away concrete to create a living pathway between the front and back play areas. Today, the children pitched in by planting the Diamondia between concrete slits so that it grows over them making a green…
Every Day We Get Older – the children’s song
The East Wing children have been discussing NSW and how we could represent our community. They have considered animals/mascots that might best represent who we are and have worked together on ideas for a school flag. We shared this information with Stuart and while in conversation, Palmer and her red gloves reminded the teachers about…
Farmer’s Market Trip to Erewhon!
This Farmer’s Market trip was made extra special by a suggestion from Jess Nelson (Laz EW and Chase WW). She mentioned Erewhon as an organic source of superfoods like camel’s milk! How could we resist? We planned a visit to Erewhon with Katherine LeVine (Grey WW) joining us. It was on our same bus route…
“We can make a string of lanterns.” – Aiden
When children begin to expand their knowledge of the multiple materials available and they move from the exploration stage to the implementation process of representing their ideas, the teachers wonder how they will apply what they’ve learned to their current interests. Currently, small groups have been looking at circuits, testing the electric flow through batteries…
“A vampire!” – Mica
In the WW Exploration Area, the loft has morphed into a haunted house. With the intention of making space to process the fears of Halloween and the upcoming darkness of the season, the teachers have added a light projector and flashlights and creatures that are found in the dark like spiders, snakes, and bats. To…
“Well, I have longer lashes than Bowe.” – Archer
The East Wingers are revisiting work that was started last year. Following a budding interest in storytelling, we ended the year looking at mask making, face painting, and costume design for the theatre. With this interest continuing, we took a new look at some of our paper mache mask formations. In small groups, we met…
“It’s still you.” – Jacob
Every October, Roleen walks the children through costume changes and how someone you love can morph into someone you don’t recognize. During the process of adding dramatic lipstick, a cape, fingernail extensions, dark glasses and a cauldron, she consistently reminds them that it’s ‘still me’. The WW seemed thrilled with the transformation process yesterday. Roleen cackling:…
Wedding Shower! October 29th @ NSW
Three of our teachers are getting married this November and we’re so excited!!!! Congratulations to Astrid and Albert, Jessica and Dewi, and Stefanie and Jordan! Come celebrate them with us on Sunday, October 29th, from 11:00 to 1:00 here at NSW. We’ll have nibbles and children are welcome! Astrid and Albert, November 11th Stefanie…
“You can do it.” – Avey
During West Wing Back to School Night, a group of parents built an elaborate structure which became a provocation for the children the following day. Fascinated by the extraordinary height of the two towers, the children were inspired to expand upon the structure. As Harrison added to the perimeter, blocks fell, resulting in the tower,…