Cindy followed up with a group of children who wanted to make signs for the start and end of the track races that have emerged in the classroom. Based on previous observations, she gathered wood screws, dowels, skewers, hand drills, and wood glue to start the conversation in developing next steps. Teacher Cindy: What will…
At teacher in-service, before the first day of school, the staff met at the Venice Library to see what books would relate to the current children’s interests and welcome the incoming children for the new school year. We created a wish list on Amazon. The New School-West Link: http://a.co/dbE30z6 The Lavins asked for recommendations for books…
In the Building Space, Kayden and Crosby connect over a construction plan Teacher Adriana: What can we build together? Any ideas? Kayden: A station. Crosby: Yes, we are building a station. Kayden: It’s getting bigger! The children reflect with the entire class about the station and invite others to add to their ideas, too.…
Following up on inviting more ideas into Crosby’s and Kayden’s original station design in the Building Space, Chase, Mica and Emilio joined the work the next day. Kayden: This is the station. Mica: Look. Look. I added this here. Emilio: It’s a city now. This is a city. Crosby: Yes, it’s so big. Mica: Here are…
Leo’s mom, Heather, came to read a book to the group and shared that they are moving to a new house in Rancho Palos Verdes where they will have a backyard for Leo to play and run. With a new sister soon to be born, there’s lots going on in the Formichella family. Leo is…
After appointments are called in the East Wing, the teachers meet with the children to communicate the plan amongst the group. Ozzie, Leah, Harel, and Eliotte chose to work in the House Area while Olive and Miro chose the Communication Center. Ozzie: Pretend it’s morning, ok? Harel: Ya. Mom, mom, I’m ready for the party! Leah: Oh,…
Eliotte started school today after a vacation in France. She had come on some play dates but brought a book, A Lion in Paris, to share at morning circle as a transition object. Teacher Silvana: What’s this on the first page? Roen: It’s a map. Gus: That black spot is where Eliotte found the book. Eliotte shakes her…
Today was our first school day of the year visiting the Venice Farmers Market from 9:30-11:30. These visits include the always exciting city bus ride on #33 to the destination and back. While there, Teacher Ivana and her son, Philippos (NSW 2017 grad), assisted Teacher Roxanne in introductions to the vendors and tradition of the…
Teacher language, or the pragmatics of language, is a constant mystery to parents. How do teachers do it? How do you facilitate arguments, or engender respect, or just, ‘how do you get my kid to do that?!’ Here is a typical interaction in which Teacher Susan uses the body language, tone and words that will…
With an intention to make connections between children, Teacher Amy facilitated ‘the line game’: It’s a game where making a line with any material, in this case charcoal, is then passed to or continued by another child at the table. This invites connection between two players, awareness of others, and personal experience with varied materials.…