Thank you for attending parent’s day last week! It was wonderful to see kids and parents playing together, and kids explaining how things go here at school. From our handwashing routine at arrival, to helping themselves to toys and activities, kids know all about school and they relish being the experts as they show you around their classroom. Kids have learned that school is their place, and that things are set up for their size and pace. They’ve become familiar with where to find the playdough and how to set up favorite board games, they’ve gotten to know the teachers and the rest of the kids in their class. They are also getting to know themselves more as they navigate group life, and discovering their own interests, strengths, and challenges.
At Park West, we intentionally provide ways for kids to manage their own routines and tend their own needs, as much as they’re able. We want to encourage self sufficiency, but that’s not all. Even more importantly, we focus on empowering kids to think autonomously, to have their own ideas, and the time and space to pursue them. So, as they navigate around the classroom, kids not only come to know that they can help themselves to materials, but that they can formulate an idea about those materials, consider how to execute it, try it out, and maybe try another way. They can decide if they want to explore tactile materials or build with blocks, pursue a solo activity or join a friend or a small group. They can actively engage in what is meaningful to them in an environment that promotes inquiry and exploration. They can bounce ideas off one another, or get help from a friend or teacher.
We don’t expect to pour knowledge into children, as if they’re empty vessels waiting to be filled. We think kids are constructing their own knowledge, as they pursue their ideas, act on objects, and make new connections. As teachers, we observe, ask questions and listen to kids, in order to provide provocations and offer meaningful ways for kids to further their thinking. We enjoy getting to know and understand each child’s unique perspective, and find it fascinating to see what they’re thinking about and working on.
We’re so happy that you had the chance to join us at school for Parents’ Day, and hope you also found it interesting and enlightening to spend time with your unique kiddo, and to catch a glimpse of what their time at school means to them.
Warmly,
Anita