One of the saddest days of my Seed life was when Ana left. She moved to Arizona nearly twenty years ago, barely speaking English, and we hired her right away. Ana worked for us thirteen years, first as a classroom assistant and then as our office manager. She was loved by everyone at the Seed, . . . Read More
Despite full days and big projects occupying my attention, I’m feeling restless. Not dissatisfied, just needing movement. The beautiful days call me outside away from my desk. Birdsongs and a thriving garden extend daily invitations to touch the earth and feel warm sun on my face. Sitting to write is a challenge. I can relate . . . Read More
Last Wednesday Danielle and I moved everything out of our office. A steady stream of staff, parents and kids stopped by to ask if we were moving. No, just clearing out decades of accumulated stuff (mine) to make a new space for the next version of the Seed’s leadership. We stripped the walls, moved book . . . Read More
Monday’s playground duty with the Early 3s was not without its regular events. Children eagerly filled their pots and pans with water, dumping it out almost immediately so they could stand in the refill line again. Bright yellow truck beds with crusty sand formed a queue for a makeshift carwash. Preschoolers used their spoons to expand . . . Read More
I was a ballet failure. Or at least it may have looked that way from an outside perspective. I tried it for awhile and probably even enjoyed the lessons from our teacher who traveled from a nearby town to instruct us in the basement of one student’s house. Eventually I gave up ballet for . . . Read More
These days, when everyone is deciding about next year, our older students have been on my mind. The elementary years at the Seed are optional in many respects, with a variety of free alternatives available once children reach kindergarten age. Over the years I’ve learned not to take family decisions personally, trusting that the same . . . Read More
I’m often asked to explain the emergent curriculum. My short answer is that it’s a way to approach curriculum development that incorporates the questions, ideas, and passions of both children and teachers. It’s an organic approach to learning that is local, immediate and authentic. I generally continue by mentioning that at the Seed we follow . . . Read More
Thirty years ago I met a poet who changed my life. That poet, Georgia Heard, is still changing lives. Currently writing a book about heart maps, a technique developed to help young poets find poetry in their lives, Georgia asked if I’d be willing to try out heart maps with the Seed third and fourth graders. . . . Read More
This year I took notes. Although I’ve heard Elsie’s stories at least 25 times, I leaned in closely to listen with new ears to what her words would reveal. I didn’t want to miss anything. There is always more and this year held a new layer of meaning. Last summer Bill and I had the . . . Read More
On Monday we met for preliminary planning of the Seed’s summer art camp. I realized at that moment how much I love the creative process of curriculum design. It’s always fascinating how it all comes together, particularly when everyone’s ideas are considered and heard. For the past few weeks I had been thinking about sustainability . . . Read More
I’m not surprised it’s rained every day since we came back from break. It’s been a big week. On Monday I announced to the staff, and Tuesday to our current families, that at the beginning of August I will step into a new role at the Seed, founding director. Danielle Dueppen, our wise and well . . . Read More
Star Wars has arrived at the Seed. Actually, Awakening Seed was founded in 1977, the same year Star Wars premiered, so we’ve had a long parallel history. Over the years we’ve seen a steady influx of stormtroopers, Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles, and other supernatural warriors acting out their missions in life. It’s a trend most . . . Read More
I have to admit, I momentarily lost faith in the Seed magic. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, it’s our explanation for the fact that historically things at the Seed always have a way of working out for the good. It often happens in the form of a person walking in the door . . . Read More
Last week one of the 4th graders came up with an idea to excavate “Indian clay” from beneath the sand. This project, located along the berm by the swings, quickly drew the attention of children of all different ages. They went about their digging project in a remarkably cooperative manner. The activity was spontaneous and inclusive, . . . Read More
Monday was more than the average blustery day. The wind that passed through the Seed was stronger and colder than we normally experience. If I’m warm enough, I love the wind. In fact, it’s been a big presence throughout my life, including my childhood. I was introduced to sailing early on and the wind . . . Read More
With a clipboard in hand, I visited every classroom on Monday morning. I took notes and captured photos. What I witnessed was the Seed’s emergent curriculum in full form, from the tiny toddlers through the 3rd/4th graders. I observed engaged students, enthusiastic and helpful teachers, and classrooms that invited authentic learning. Every classroom was alive with . . . Read More
Bill will be 70 on Saturday. I’ve known him for 42 years and wonder where the time has gone. We began as friends in 1973 and that friendship has evolved into a lifetime of growing a family that includes the Seed. Many parts of our lives have evolved, especially the addition of daughters and grandchildren, . . . Read More
Even though the full moon is ramping up the energy of this pre-Halloween week, it’s still one of my favorite times of the year. There’s great anticipation for the carnival, along with Halloween itself the next day. I’ve always loved Halloween, going all the way back to my childhood when we were allowed to roam . . . Read More
On Sunday evening as I was preparing dinner, waiting for my art to dry so I could add the next layer, and tidying the kitchen, I thought I’d check out a few TED talks to learn something new. As chance would have it, I discovered a talk by Emilie Wapnick (http://puttylike.com/tedx/) called “Why Some of . . . Read More
A photo and a poem are stuck in my mind. The photo is of a drowned three-year-old Syrian child, lying face down on a Turkish beach. He and his brother were among twelve Syrian refugees whose boat didn’t deliver them safely to shore. It was all over the internet a few weeks ago. Later, while . . . Read More
I’ve thought about the lead teachers quite a bit this week. It’s one of the most demanding times of year for them, given they are preparing their progress reports AND teaching their classes. Considerable thought goes into these reports, especially the narratives, which are reflections on the whole child. They paint a picture of the . . . Read More
I signed up for poetry and left the coast of Florida with more than poems in my pocket. Invited to attend Poetry by the Sea, a retreat for poets taught by Georgia Heard and Rebecca Dotlich, I knew it was a chance of a lifetime. Georgia has been my poetry teacher for three . . . Read More
It’s a well known fact that, over the years, the Seed has gained a reputation as being a “hippie” school. Our roots as an alternative school in the 70s have certainly fueled this perception. The school’s emphasis on gardening and saving the earth have also been contributing factors. Early on we had three- and four-year . . . Read More
Last Friday I was standing in the hallway by the K-1 when a flurry of caped superheroes burst out of the Preschool 4s room. Each superhero was sporting a brand new cape with the first letter of his or her first name boldly imprinted on the back. Enthusiasm was so high I was surprised they . . . Read More