Basics of Chemistry in the Uppers (8th Grade)
This fall the 8th grade has been studying the basics of chemistry. We learn about molecules, phase change, atoms and more. our most recent focus is on how different substances can have different densities because of the arrangement of their atoms, and the composition of the atoms themselves.
Mapping Hammock Valley in the Forest Primes (K/1)
I recently came across an article outlining the difference between academic and intellectual goals in the early years. The article reminds us that, “Academic goals are those concerned with acquiring small discrete bits of information, usually related to preliteracy skills and practiced in drill, worksheets, and other kinds of exercises designed to prepare the children for later literacy and numeracy learning. “
Foundational Play Theories in the Dancing Primes (Toddler)
The preschool teachers have been looking more deeply at the foundational play theories that guide our teaching, including the development of play (such as solitary, parallel, associative, and cooperative play) and common early childhood play schemes (such as Positioning, Enveloping, Connecting, and Transporting) in order to help shape our observations and how we provide learning opportunities to each student.
Emergent Math in the Lumber Primes (K/1)
Conversations About Power and Contemporary Indigenous Youth in the Lumber Primes (K/1)
Discussing Unconscious Bias in the Lumber Primes (K/1)
As teachers here at the Center School, we are privileged to be able to teach explicitly about racism and bias without the fear of censure or backlash (which is not the experience of many educators around the country). We also have the responsibility to center this teaching in our work with children.
Starting the Day With Morning Meeting in the Mups (2nd/3rd)
It is 7:30 am and Olivia and I are sitting in a quiet Mups Orange classroom reviewing our plans for the day. We have been chatting about some ideas for the next Writer’s Workshop unit.
Geometry, Technology, and Power in 8th Grade Math
In 8th grade math, we took some time this past week to examine how geometry interacts with technology, and thus power. We talked about where geometry shows up in the world and students came up with ideas like: engineering, architecture, art, and more. Then we talked about facial recognition technology and its uses and implications.
Exploring Nature in the Puzzle Primes (3 Year-Olds)
The Puzzle Primes spend a significant part of their school day outdoors, engaging with nature. In addition to playing in their Woods Spot, we also adventure out into the campus’s vast network of trails. Hiking allows us to interact with nature directly, fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
Mental Health Minute with Meaghan (School Counselor)
Hi Center School Community! Over the past few weeks, in my role as School Counselor, my days have been spent:
playing pirates with the Dancing Primes
playing in the yard with the Super Primes and Puzzle Primes
learning how to stay warm and build forts while out in the Forest with the Lumber and Forest Primes
Writing “Tiny Communities” in the Mups (2nd/3rd)
In our Mups Writer’s Workshop, our journey into storytelling began with a unique and imaginative unit called "Tiny Communities." Our intention is to foster a love for writing in our emerging authors by intertwining outdoor play and literary creation. To kickstart the project, each child selected a plastic animal that resonates with them, forming small groups based on the shared animal characteristics they perceived.
Preserving The Pathway to Mushroom Hollow in The Middles (4th/5th)
Our first Woodworking project in the Middles is complete. Last week we were able to try out our new ladder to our Woods Spot for the first time! The entrance to our Woods spot, recently named Mushroom Hollow, has a steep incline that I skidded down the first time I visited the woods in August.
Spreading Messages of Body Positivity and Activism in The Forest Primes (K/1)
During the first few weeks of the school year when we first read the book Every Body, A First Conversation About Bodies By Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Tequitia Andrews to the Forest Primes, we were really struck with how inspired the kids seemed to be to spread messages of body positivity, fatphobia awareness, and activism through making motivational posters.
Exploring Neurodiversity in a 7th and 8th Grade Literature Group
Inspired by the powerful and thought-provoking book Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, Vanessa's seventh and eighth grade lit class has embarked on a journey to explore the world of neurodiversity.
The Origins of Halloweek in The Super Primes (4 year-olds)
For as long as I can remember I have loved Halloween. For the seven years I have been a Center School teacher, I have shared my passion for Halloween with both my students as well as the larger Center School community. Any student who I have taught can recall some bit of the raucousness that would eventually become Halloweek, a weeklong celebration of Halloween.
Growing Together as a Community With The Dancing Primes (Toddlers)
We are now seven weeks into the school year, a significant period of time in the life of a toddler, and a length of time in which the amazing, unique, and individual personalities of each child are shining through every day. The Dancing Primes have worked hard learning one another’s names, remembering the physical layout of our classroom, school, and outdoor campus, learning the classroom routines, and “moving together” during our transitions very seriously.
What Does it Mean to be Safe: Discussions With The Lumber Primes (K/1)
Each fall in the Lumber Primes, we facilitate a series of discussions and activities focused on what it means to be safe, who deserves to be safe, and whose responsibility it is to ensure that everyone feels safe in our classroom community. This year the topic of safety feels especially poignant, in light of the Israel-Hamas war and the unfolding devastation in Gaza.
The Independent Project in The Uppers (6th-8th)
In talking with Center School alum, I’ve discovered that there are many things students remember about their experience at Center School. One of the experiences I hear about is Projects Class.
Community Sketchbooks in the Puzzle Primes (3 year-olds)
This year in the Puzzle Primes we have two community sketchbooks! These sketchbooks live at our communal drawing desk. As a class we will be working in these sketchbooks together and by the end of the school year we will have a very interesting and beautiful visual representation of our time together. We have always done a lot of communal art in the Puzzle Primes but never in this way which provides the students an intimate time to express themselves in these books.
The First Six Weeks of School in the Mups (2nd/3rd)
Last Friday marked the marked the end of our sixth week in school! In the Mups classroom, we base the first weeks of our curriculum on elements taken from Responsive Classroom’s book, The First Six Weeks of School. Responsive Classroom is an educational approach that emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and engaging classroom environment to support students' social, emotional, and academic development.