A boisterous crew assisted Mark Mollica (Luca, EW) with making pasta for snack today. Miles, Sammy, Lucy and Luca chopped, boiled and served a delicious basil, garlic, tomato pasta. Mark: You add salt for two reasons. One, it makes the water hotter. Two, it gives the pasta flavor. This pasta is called Gnocchi. Luca: Can…
As the West Wing children have been playing the “Sign Language Game”, we have noticed them closely observing pictures of their peers expressing emotions. One morning, we provided mirrors, paper, and pens and we took new pictures to add to the Game and to facilitate the discussion of their feelings. MJ: (Drawing her daddy) My…
From their first days in the West Wing Building Space, the children constructed and reconstructed the making of trucks. Now in the East Wing, their interest has deepened and the Building Space is exploding with ideas and designs. The children are supported by the school systems that value collaborative work, reflection meetings, and uninterrupted time…
This week, Roleen surprised the West Wing teachers with a set of American Sign Language Blocks! Next, Jenn introduced them in the afternoon and the children showed complete engagement and excitement. The interest they have in wanting to learn how to sign the letters in their names is electrifying. Teacher Jenn: (During afternoon circle) Roleen…
Every month we listen to the safety bell and practice our responses. Amy: When we hear the bell, what does the it tell us to do? Dahlia: Stop, look and listen. Juliette: Look at the teacher. After we heard the bell: Archer: It was quiet when we were inside. Gus: It was loud to me,…
After creating a plan to build a ramp and a bridge, Henry, Theo, and Bowe gathered the necessary lumber for construction. Many of the larger wood pieces chosen required collaboration as the boys maneuvered them through the front yard. The first ramp and bridge went together quickly and without any major engineering challenges. The second…
Madeleine: The hot lava is here! The hot lava is here! With this simple invitation, a game begins. Bowe: Get on the pirate ship! Gus: The hot lava wave is coming all around our ship. Madeleine: The hot lava is here. It’s on the ground. Rio: Whoa! (as he slides down the slide, reaching up…
The Exploration Area invites four to five children to work with clay. Over the last month, the teachers have been discussing ways to help the children work in collaboration rather than individually. The environment was changed a few times. We have also implemented the “Master Plan” concept, where the children come together beforehand and draw…
During an afternoon appointment, some children from the West and East Wing joined together in the Paper House. Mila: This is the worst disappointment after nap ever and I don’t like this appointment ever. Teacher Jennifer: Why? Mila: Because I don’t like the Front Yard. Isla: Why? Mila: Because of the purple. Sammy Lou: Of…
While working with the natural materials in the Atelier, Julien and Sol began discussing a robot that they called “The City Smasher.” They began describing the many elements that made up this incredible robot and its immense power which Sol and Julien agreed made it strong enough “to destroy the world”. I suggested that they…