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…
The West Wing children have had a few conversations about babies lately. With August, Dashiell and Jacob adding siblings, and Teacher Cynthia’s pregnancy, this is a strong influence right now. We offer the children time to draw out their ideas and thoughts, but most times, we just listen and observe their play. One morning Jacob’s…
Some amazing connections are being created in this amazing community of ours! Here are some moments captured from last week. As always, we encourage to view these photo series with your child, for they can be great dialogue-generators and what better time to do so than over this Thanksgiving weekend! Please feel free to leave…
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The teachers in the West Wing introduced visual flashcards by playing simple games with them during our Sign Language meetings. They have been used to prompt signs for each corresponding picture. Now these flashcards are available for the children to access any time of the day. Teacher Jennifer: How do you play this game? Isla: You sign something and…
While working together, the children have unfolded multiple ways to transform paper. While tearing papers: Archer: That looks like Josephine’s hair. Mila: It’s curly like Josephine’s. Archer begins to make different facial expressions. Grace reciprocates with a facial gesture. Mila: We can make a funny face! Faced with a blank page and strips of paper, the children’s…