School vs. In-home Mechanical Teachers in Uppers Lit (6th/7th)
This trimester we are reading and writing short stories. Last week, we read, “The Fun They Had”, by Isaac Asimov. This science fiction story, written in 1951, challenges the reader to think about the purpose of, and their experience with, school and technology.
Sap Boiling Season in the Woods Primes (K/1)
Our Maple Sugaring season has (almost) come to an end, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came to the fire and helped make this year’s sugar boil a success. Making maple syrup is a perfect example of many hands make life delicious!
Mups Artist Studies: Music as a Force for Change
This winter, our Friday music periods have been dedicated to exploring the lives and legacies of musicians who used their art to inspire change. Through our artist study unit, the Mups have been immersing themselves in the powerful connections between music, storytelling, and social movements.
Counted Out Viewing with the Uppers
Last Wednesday, the Uppers students brought snacks and pillows into the All School Room to watch the documentary Counted Out. We started our viewing by talking about two potentially new vocabulary words: “gerrymandering” and “parole”. You, like many of the students, may be wondering what those words have to do with math. As it turns out, a lot.
Exploring the concept of “quiet” in the Wonder Primes
Spring in the Wonder Primes classroom is a rich time of growth in many ways. The children have settled into their school routines and are confident in their knowledge of their days. Interpersonal relationships have solidified and deepened, and new skills are being refined.
Uppers Update- Staying Small in Middle School
It matters how much you get to be a kid while you still are a kid. Can you bring your stuffed animals to school in the Uppers? Yes. Can you play make believe with earnest enthusiasm? Absolutely. Will you be self-conscious about coming across too young or immature to your peers? Probably not in the Uppers. When youth are often in a rush to grow up, it can be tough but still important to rekindle childish play. Play as a part of learning, but also (and mostly) because it's where connection, friendship, and creativity lie.
Research Writing in Mups Orange (2nd/3rd)
In recent weeks, the Mups class has been diving deep into the process of research writing as part of our ongoing work in Writers Workshop. The goal has been to help students develop skills in gathering, organizing, and presenting information on topics of personal interest, while also engaging with the specific features of non-fiction texts.
Shadow Puppetry in the Middles (4th/5th)
The Middles performance. I must admit it has felt like a daunting task. Each year students write and put on a performance for the Center School community. As a generalist teacher, we wear many hats, and I often learn alongside my students — so why not have a shadow puppet performance! I have no background in theater other than enjoying performances as an audience member, so here we go!
Portfolios in the Uppers
The middle school students facilitate the majority of their fall and winter conferences by projecting a slideshow of their learning and experiences. It’s a very unique and fulfilling event for the students, families, and teachers. With March conferences just days away, Uppers have been focused on compiling work samples and photos for their portfolios.
Exploring Big Ideas in Dramatic Play with the Power Primes
As educators, we are continually seeking ways to recognize and explore the “big ideas” that emerge in children’s play. This year, our teaching team has been working with Peggy Martalock to deepen our practice of pedagogical documentation—examining how revisiting experiences through photos, transcripts, and children’s work allows us to recognize patterns of intent in their play.
Shakespeare in the Uppers
We have had a lot of enthusiasm for Shakespeare in the Uppers these past few years. This winter, the 8th graders have been transported to Fair Verona as we immerse ourselves in the world of Romeo and Juliet, performing scenes, exploring the text and watching various film adaptations. We even got to go to NYC to see a production of Romeo and Juliet on Broadway!
Teaching and Learning about Black History (In February and beyond) with the Woods Primes
As we approached the month of February there was a stitching craze happening in the Woods Primes. So many children were excited about using colorful thread as a form of expression to create art, designs, and writing on fabric. We wanted to connect this enthusiasm with the upcoming Black History Month, and dove into an investigation of Black Textile Artists both contemporary and historical, using picture books and other resources as inspiration.
Creative Application in Math (6th Grade)
One thing about me is that I love math, I love puzzling through and trying to prove my thinking. One thing I know as a math teacher is that not everyone feels that same way or finds joy in solving problems. That means one of my goals as a teacher is to create ways for students to find fun in learning about something that most deem their least favorite subject.
Foodie Friday with the Mups
Food is deeply woven into the fabric of American culture, reflecting our rich history and diversity. From the Indigenous Peoples’ understanding of the complex, symbiotic relationship of corn, beans, and squash, to the vibrant flavors brought by immigrants from around the world, food tells the story of who we are.
Spring Science Investigations in Uppers (7th Grade)
The 7th graders are bouncing along in science this winter exploring the properties of springs. The first part of this exploration is to find out what a spring constant is. When you think about a spring, there are many words that come to students' minds to phrase how springs differ: Stretchiness, bounciness, easier to squish, harder to pull apart.
Weather Theme in the Mups
The Mups began their latest unit in Theme directly following winter break. Our new focus for the next several weeks is Weather. We began the unit in the fruitful way we sometimes do, by talking with classmates and sharing what we already know about the subject. We make a list on the board, encounter some introductory material to get our brains thinking about what questions we might have, and then compile a list of what we want to learn.
Dialogue in Play with the Power Primes
Lately the Power Primes have been playing a lot of games in the classroom that involve feasting, candy, and cooking up spicy hot chocolate. During their feast they often gather around a table in our dramatic play corner. They haul over chairs and stools so they can all have a seat at the table together. Below are some of the things they said while gathered around the table.
Math Buddies with the Middles
In the Middles, we love math. It may not be every child’s favorite subject, but we are intentional about bringing joy and fun to mathematical learning. We do this both through the way we adapt lessons to maximize movement and engagement, as well as through solving math mysteries, creating art with math, and by playing math games.
Tidee Fridee in the Woods Primes (K/1)
Right now feels like a good time to shine some light on some helpers because that is what Mr Rogers said to do when things in the news feels scary, “Look for the helpers, you will always find people who are helping.” If you have been following our journey as a community you will know that one of the pillars of the forest primes classroom is that we “take care.” That can mean a lot of things, like taking care of people, personal items, and shared materials, or bugs, birds and fairies.
Uppers Students Advocate for a Fictional Character
At a recent All School, one of the 6/7th grade lit classes shared their work with the book Mockingbird, by Kathryn Erskine. Millie and Madax introduced the main character, Caitlin, a neurodivergent 10-year-old struggling to communicate with others, socialize with peers, and navigate the recent death of her brother, Devon.