In the East Wing, the children and teachers develop a weekly mantra. The mantras are used as an instrument of the mind to focus all of us on community empathy. The mantra that emerged for our first week of school: Welcoming.
The children in the East Wing can’t help but notice that some of the new West Wing children are having a tricky time saying goodbye in the morning. They ask, “Why is that kid crying?” Their concern shows on their face and we reflect together in the Communication Center about how our own first days in the West Wing felt.
Hayes: I felt happy.
Lily: I felt a little bit shy.
Harrison: I was crying when I had to say goodbye to my Mommy.
Teacher Jessica: What supported you in feeling better when you were new to the West Wing?
Harrison: Notes! Writing notes.
Together, the children have begun to write notes to each child in the West Wing. Their messages are closely linked to their mantra with welcoming themes like invitations to play dates and suggestions of spaces for appointments.
Luscia chose to write a note to Aliana.
Teacher Jessica: Did you know, Luscia, that Aliana is welcoming children in the West Wing the same way that you are welcoming children here in the East Wing?
Luscia: I’m going to ask her for a playdate.
Wally, new to not only the East Wing but also to New School-West, shares with Luca: “I’m also new to New School-West. I’ve been here for 3 days.”
By sharing these messages of welcome, the East Wing children disseminate the NSW culture and systems of support to the new West Wing children all the while voicing emotions and recalling coping strategies to support our own big transition into the East Wing. -Teacher Jessica