Preparations for our celebration of gratitude started last week as each class brainstormed ideas of what they could for another classroom. In the K-1 class they began with the question: What is it to be thankful? Children said, “It’s when you love people.” “It’s when you say thank you for all that people do for . . . Read More
The rain was a blessing for our dry desert. It also transformed our playground into a mud bog that inspired all sorts of imaginative play. It was a heyday for small persons in brightly colored rain boots. On Wednesday I noticed a group of young sand chefs, madly stirring and pouring muddy water into a . . . Read More
We want you to know about our exceptional K-4 program. Although we’re just entering our fourth month of the school year, it will soon be time for making decisions about the future. In order to help families make the most informed decision about elementary school placement, we are offering a K-4 information session on Wednesday, . . . Read More
The Seed carnival started in the 1980s as an alternative to trick-or-treating. It has evolved over the years into a huge community event, attended by current and alumni families, as well as neighbors and other local friends. It’s become a much anticipated first return to the Seed after families leave to move on to other . . . Read More
On my walk along the canal yesterday morning, pushing my great-granddaughter in her stroller, a man with his little dog called out to me: “Good morning, Grandma. Never give up!” I replied, “I won’t. I’ll keep going as long as I can.” As I kept walking, his words lingered in my mind. He pretty well . . . Read More
For the past fourteen years I’ve taught a kids yoga class at Desert Song Healing Arts Center on Tuesday afternoons. I’ve worked with hundreds of children under the age of ten. Some of them are in college now, and new students keep arriving. Many of them attended my class for several years before outgrowing it . . . Read More
For over thirty years, the Mystery Theater has been a part of the Seed’s annual Halloween carnival. It began in the 1980s as a production put on by Seed staff to entertain carnival attendees. Dozens of staff have participated in all phases of the production, including script writing, acting, choreography, set design, costumes, music management, . . . Read More
Early Tuesday morning I sat in the dentist chair, looking out large windows into the overcast skies looming over the valley. I noticed a heron perched on top of the building in front of me. It was a color study in grey. Monday was the autumn equinox, and our shifting weather matched the change of . . . Read More
On Monday the Seed grandparents gathered once again. Over twenty arrived for the beginning of our fourth year as an organized group. During introductions we met grandparents new to the Seed and caught up with familiar friends who have been around the school for a long time (including one grandmother whose daughters are Seed graduates). . . . Read More
The scent of basil is a sure sign that our nutrition study is underway. Coincidentally, as food nutrients dominated conversation in classrooms, I came across a new term— psychological nutrients. My ears and mind perked up, wondering what this idea could possibly mean. It came to me in the same way I absorb most . . . Read More
Healthy food has always been a priority at the Seed. Over the years it’s taken on different expressions as we’ve responded to trends in nutrition. Our current practices have been highly influenced by this article. Another influence related to food is our dedication to planetary stewardship. During the first few weeks of school, I . . . Read More
Morning walks this time of year always seem to reveal life lessons. Whether it’s an unusually simple cloud formation or a homeless man balancing his found possessions precariously on a “borrowed” grocery cart, there’s always something that connects with what I’ve been thinking about. Two words, simplicity and presence, have been swirling around in my . . . Read More
In July we took my great-granddaughter to Minnesota to visit her great-great grandparents. Included in the mix of family present was my great-niece, Emmy. She’s a bright, articulate, curious girl, and was completely mesmerized by the baby. Being a typical four-year-old, she wanted to touch her new little cousin and find out all she could . . . Read More
The red threads captured my attention. During one of my summer morning walks, I heard an interview with Marcus Buckingham. He described his life long obsession with helping others improve the quality of their workplace experience. The interview held my attention, yet there was nothing extraordinary in the conversation until he brought up the red threads. . . . Read More
I walked into the K-1 this just as a duck was having her feet trimmed. In preparation for their upcoming production of Crocodile Beat by Gail Jorgensen, one of the ducks was with her teacher, having a costume fitting. On the table behind them was a pile of handmade costumes and props, including a crocodile . . . Read More
As this fourth week of summer camp comes to a close, the word “congruent” surfaces in my mind. Congruent means to be in agreement or in harmony. It comes from the Latin verb Congruere “to come together, correspond with.” All week long I’ve seen evidence of congruency in action. When we developed our plan for . . . Read More
Things are moving and shaking at the Seed this summer. When we designed our program this year, we wanted to make sure there was a strong movement component. The summer heat often brings on a tendency toward being lethargic, so we decided to take a proactive approach. We have regularly scheduled music classes once a . . . Read More
Last Friday morning was a popular time for water play, so the sand circle was flooded more extensively than normal. I had the pleasure of being on duty for lunch recess and got in on some excellent water play action. One thing I noticed right away was several children attempting to cross over the . . . Read More
Our new edition of The Harvest, the Seed’s yearbook, just arrived this week. It’s full of happy student faces, quotes, and photos of their lively art collected from projects throughout the year. Usually we dedicate the yearbook to a staff member. This year, at the request of Krina (our editor), the dedication is different. It . . . Read More
I pay attention to patterns of three. This week, as graduation photos and announcements started rolling in, a set of three caught my attention: future engineers. For decades I’ve held the belief that activities children engage in when they are young often surface in adulthood. When I heard that three of our former Seeds were . . . Read More
Harvesting seeds is no easy task, especially for three-year-old fingers. In case you’re unfamiliar with kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and cilantro seeds, they’re about the size of a small pin head. They mostly grow in long thin pods that only crack open easily when they are dry. There’s a purpose behind the tediousness of harvesting tiny . . . Read More
When I was a child growing up in rural Nebraska, the Little Blue River meandered through our town. It was more brown (from the mud) than blue. The Little Blue is a sleepy river, except during the occasional rainy season when its banks overflow. A few years ago it wiped out one of the main bridges . . . Read More
Last week I described potential plans and activities happening on and around Earth Day at the Seed. One project in particular took on a life of its own. The Preschool 4s’ campaign to help the African Wildlife Foundation has become a school-wide effort, thanks to the generosity of parents, as well as their baking talents. . . . Read More
We’re doing Earth Day differently this year. Usually we pick one issue—such as plastic bags, throwaway straws, or endangered species—and make it a whole school theme. We decide how to address the issue within each classroom, then report back to the whole group on Earth Day. This year, since such varied authentic learning is happening . . . Read More