Turn Left at the Bike Bridge
It was abundantly clear on that day and every day since, that we are challenged as educators to show how we teach "the essentials", what those essentials are, and to send the message, I am teaching your child when we . . . Go to the forest, for example.
How the Inside Supports the Outside
While our outdoor space and the way we use it is unique in our neck of the woods, what really brings it to its full potential is the dramatic play that is crafted inside the school using reflection and problem-solving. This foundation means that we can make room for risk, for adventure, and for full and free exploration of a wide variety of materials.
Things have changed...in the extreme
When you live in the Washington DC area, you get used to Weather, capital W. Good, bad, and truly, truly lovely. In the past two weeks, we have flipped from one extreme to another, warm then cold. Once they give the weather patterns names that sound like 80s rock albums, like derecho and polar vortex, you know things are going to get loopy.
How Children Communicate With Each Other Through Symbol
Children communicate with each other, not just in words and action, but in symbol, carefully choosing materials and shaping and reshaping their environment, to signal to others, to share meaning. Further, these symbol and mark making efforts are so clear and meaningful, one child to another...
Passing the Torch
The pair proceeded to wrestle, but interestingly, the gentle partner did not know the point of the demonstration and did not go down. He was doing what he always does during their matches, providing a kind of shifting wall of gentle resistance. Our torch-bearer remained unperturbed and kept up the demonstration.