I agree that there is great benefit to having two teachers within each classroom. As a private school, this isn't always possible, however, we've been blessed that our enrollment has been able to support this model. It's quite a 'balancing' act as there is so much to consider overall. Having two teachers within every classroom benefits everyone!

Love this! When we can be open as a staff and have supportive dialogue with one another the possibilities are endless! I love when we all come together to discuss different topics and/or projects. We always 'go places' that we would have never explored if we were making decisions alone.

This has been a challenge during the pandemic. There is a bit of a disconnect this year because of how we have had to restructure our environments. We have had to be creative with how we create and foster connections in a climate where "distancing" is encouraged.

I believe that when you walk into the school 'building' the meaning and values held should be evident in the organization of everything. The organization of materials, the space, the interactions among staff and children....all give a picture of how the children/students are viewed.

Involving parents/families in the process is so important and exciting for the children.

Yes! When children are active participants they are full of enthusiasm!

Important to note here that the first part of the project was complete after 'one month'....projects take time! This can be quite uncomfortable for teachers to allow all the time needed for a project to emerge.

Such an important word! How often in our schools, do the children 'participate' in their learning? This needs to happen within all of our classrooms, no matter what the age/grade.

I like the use of the word 'co-teachers' here. We use 'lead teacher' and 'assistant teacher' per required by licensing...however they function as 'co-teachers' within the classroom.

LOVE this! Perhaps something we could do?

A goal of ours....to one day have an atelierista who can support the students and teachers in exploration.

Yes! As I tell my university students...there is great value in studying early theorists/philosophies! Good for us all to revisit these ideas throughout our career...

LOVE THIS! Children want to know 'why' they are here? Their purpose (not the 'purpose' their parents think they should have ;)! When we pay close attention we may find that the innate desires/interests that the children show us are in fact tied to their ultimate purpose. For example, a little boy whose passion for building is supported by providing him wood, tools, etc. so that he can build a table - later we come to find out that this same boy became an adult contractor.

Wow to this! So relevant to what our world is experiencing now! What a great message to send to our families during this time.

Yes, and their solutions are often times way better than ours. Children tend to solve things and have the ability to move on in a better way than many adults.

Love this! Teacher stays close....but not too close as to interfere with the children. A good reminder for us all!

This reminds me of the beautiful story we just heard about with the children wanting to help clean up the rubble after the destruction in TN. Children are connected just as we are to what is and has happened around us. It is important that we honor this right of theirs.

Wow! This couldn't be more true in what we are currently experiencing! We have had to respond literally in a matter of hours to the needs of our children and families as they had to quickly begin learning from a distance. This has certainly been a challenging time for all of us! I feel though Weaver has done a beautiful job at responding to the needs of our children and families during this difficult time.

Love the conversations and example of this balance when it comes to safety. As stated here...children do understand this balance if we just take the time to 'listen' to their understanding .

Perfect example of this 'balance' between children & adult rights!

This statement here is a reminder to me that our 'car-lines' at school should 'slow-down' and be a time for us to honor the right of the child to get into the car-seat and buckle themselves in. We need to give them the 'time' needed to do this. Every second of the day is a chance for the child to learn something and develop autonomy!

One thing I try to communicate to our families is the importance of honoring the 'journey' or path of their children. It is not 'our' path...it is theirs (the child's). We must honor this path with patience (and a lot of prayer ;) ) as it is theirs (the child's) to navigate. Fear most times is what keeps us from doing this, and I have found in working with parents that they often times are 'parenting their own personal childhoods' rather than 'parenting the childhood of their child's."

I feel like I say this quite often....

YES!!!!

YES! How sad that play is disappearing from early childhood programs. Play needs to be valued by ALL involved with children! Early childhood educators must be advocates for children and boldly and confidently make play a priority in each of their classrooms and schools.

Less talk...more listening! Oh what we can learn from our little ones if we learn to do this more often!

I love this! Such an observance of others 'rights' that many adults sadly miss. We need to listen to the wisdom of children...yes, people can have 'rights' as long as they don't hurt someone....but also, the 'other' people have a 'right' not to be hurt! Powerful!

Oh, so very true!

As a director of a school, it is critical to me that I foster and support a positive work environment. This is done in many ways so that teachers feel respected, valued, and comfortable to be who they are. This creates a positive 'energy' that can be 'felt' throughout the school! Children and families can 'feel' that energy! When I give tours to prospective families I hear them often times say, 'It just feels good here.' THAT makes me happy! ;)

Yes! Each new school year the environment is a blank canvas that becomes filled with the 'stories' of the children that you have then. I love the sentence that states, 'An environment will grow out of your relationship with the child.' Each year your environment will be different and unique, just as the children who walk into the classroom will be.

'Wait time' is so important! As teachers, many of us are in a hurry to move on to the next topic/theme, etc. However, our children may need more time to think about a project and ask more questions as they further develop their understanding.

Research shows that when parents/families are included and valued as part of the 'team' in their child's education - children are more successful overall.

YES! We can learn so much from children if we just take THE TIME to observe & listen to them.

This is something that was so evident when visiting the Boulder Journey School. Connecting with the community is something that I would like to see my own school do more of.

It makes a difference when parents/families are active participants in the education of their children.