Winter Learning Adventures Commence

Our students truly are the template for all this is right in the world and an inspiration to us all as we grow into 2019. When we asked teachers about their observations of growth and change since September. They said, without a doubt, that 0ur community has evolved so much since then. They have observed deeper confidence, deeper empathy, increased perseverance, and more connectedness. #WhyWeTKG!

As we are poised to grow and expand our building blocks of learning, it is a good time to reflect on where we’ve been to inspire where we go next:

The Redwoods have increased their skills in interpersonal communications – says Trevor, “…they feed off the inspiration and support from each other. There is a healthy sense of collaboration and understanding that can build great momentum around a topic or skill.” The Nature Growers have pushed through their insecurities about art. Leticia shares, “Most of them expressed that art and writing made them feel unsure, that has changed in that we now look forward to publishing our work and showing it off to our family and friends.” The Evergreens have been cultivating their growth-mindset. “Delightful!” says Jen, and Yvette appreciates how “they continue to learn and persevere.” The Acorns have been doing the work of connection and understanding. Michelle says, “the Acorns feel more like a cohesive group now, with members flowing in and out of groups and plans…” “there has been so much connection created between classmates,” says Heather. Overall, our students have started the year off with an enthusiasm to learn and care for one another.

From their teachers – in their own words:

THE REDWOODS – Ages 8, 9 and 10

“In these last 3 months I believe that the Redwoods have found a deeper confidence in approaching new challenges. When things are hard and frustrating, they know they will find the path. I have also noticed growth in their ability to confront interpersonal challenges with maturity and caring. Finally, I see how much they now feed off the inspiration and support from each other. There is a healthy sense of collaboration and understanding that can build great momentum around a topic or skill.” 

THE ACORNS – ages 5 and 6

“In the Acorn class there has been so much connection created between classmates, there are small groups of friends that have come together to create to strong bonds, and these small groups are open to playing with the entire class at times as well. When I look back to the work the Acorns were doing in September to the letters, numbers, some sentences they are working on now is so uplifting, and amazing to be a part of. I am excited for more!” 

“The Acorns feel more like a cohesive group now, with members flowing in and out of groups and plans, our problem solving meetings are productive and they seem more gentle with each other through the process, and overall we are getting into more of a collective groove.”  

THE EVERGREENS – ages 10, 11 and 12

“The evergreens have met many new challenges this year, and it has been quite fascinating to see them stretch their branches and grow. They have had new schedules, new teachers, new subjects and new experiences, and they have bravely tried on different “hats” as learners since September. Some of those “hats” have worked and some didn’t work the way they had expected, but yet they continue to learn and persevere. I’m looking forward to seeing how our Evergreens will Thrive in 2019.”

“The Evergreens are cultivating their growth mindset in math. I have noticed that when they are struggling with a particular math topic, they are not afraid to say it and join us for the daily math chat in which we practice skills- something they were reluctant to admit and do earlier in the fall. They are very supportive of each other as learners, too, which I watch with joy as they help each other when someone needs an explanation or made a mistake. Delightful!”

THE NATURE GROWERS – ages 7 and 8

“In September the nature grower class was ready and excited to learn. Most of them expressed that art and writing made them feel unsure, that has changed in that we now look forward to publishing our work and showing it off to our family and friends. The enthusiasm to learn and care for one another is admirable. I am excited to say that these kids have created a community in which they not only protect each other physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It is so cool to see them help each other, whether they are trying to spell a word, tie their shoes, or just need a little hug and a dose of kind words to uplift them.”