What a first week back to school it has been! The new facade and campus changes had many in "awe" as they returned for the first time after a very busy summer break. We love these amazing photos of our new spaces and happy student faces. ...
A warm welcome to our new Preschool Teacher Jennifer Takahashi! Here is a short "get to know you" Q & A we'd like to share: What inspired you to work with kids/become a teacher? I appreciate how kids share their unique perspective of the world around them. When we get time with them and listen, we can let go of our view and see things with fresh eyes. Their curiosity and excitement about life is infectious and it's an...
During an exploration of the Sustainable Garden with Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Brady, children in Rosewood Room noticed that the lemon tree was full of fruit and decided to pick a few to bring back to class. At first, they used the lemons as a provocation for observational drawings with dry and oil pastels, but soon, talk of lemonade began. Excited about the idea of making the refreshing drink, the students decided they would open a stand. Together,...
When the discussion of names came up in Rosewood room, teachers saw an opportunity to inspire students to reflect on what their names mean. They soon noticed that the children were getting confused with such a literal question, so they took a new approach to the discussion. Instead of asking, "What does your name mean?" they asked, "What does it mean to be you?" Student responses included: "Being Dagny means like fun!" - Dagny "Uhmm, hero, and super lion, and a super speedy...
Our Preschool classes held their annual Fall Feast in the gym recently. Students made hand-printed placemats and table decorations for the event. The meal was potluck style, with each family bringing in a dish specially requested by their child to share. During the event, families wrote down things they are thankful for on cut-out feathers that were attached to a shared turkey display. Shared mealtimes in Reggio are held in high regard, and our educational philosophy values children, educators, and family...
Learn by Doing Science in our Early Childhood program allows children to participate in discovering, exploring, and questioning a topic or activity together. This week, it was all about blowing bubbles. Students used modified pipettes, natural bubble solution, and the air in their lungs to create cups full of bubbles. They discussed their separate techniques and explored the ways that airflow effects the bubble formation; using a lot of air creates many small bubbles, and a slow stream of...
Registration is now open for the Fall Artisans In The Atelier workshop series taught by Porschia Talbot of My Art Shed in Gillispie School’s beautiful atelier and community garden! During each art workshop, students will explore the natural beauty that surrounds us every day and see how even the smallest flower can inspire wondrous art. They will slither paint like a snake, design and build tiny houses fit for a fairy queen, breathe color into fallen leaves, and plant seeds that will one...