It’s been four and a half months since there were this many cars in our parking lot. Cautiously the Seed staff has returned for a week of cleaning, planning, and preparing for what lies ahead. We’ve completed CPR training and gone over COVID-19 protocols, in addition to preparing for virtual teaching along with in-person learning. . . . Read More
My plan was to take a two-week break from my blog. I did want to share one link with you that was truly inspiring, though, an interview with the late John Lewis. His words, like his life, motivate me to keep going, to keep doing the work. Last night’s full rainbow after the storm was . . . Read More
Normally we’d be on vacation right about now, looking at scenes such as this one on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state. We would be revitalizing ourselves by walking beaches on either coast, perhaps taking a ferry from one location to another. There was always a body of water involved. Last night, as we took . . . Read More
When we were in Darjeeling a year and a half ago, we visited the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center. The center provides artisan training and support of residents of all ages. People who live there make a variety of handicrafts, including jewelry, weaving, and clothing. They also make prayer flags, so I loaded up on . . . Read More
These past few weeks, as we’ve been planning for the Seed’s re-opening in August, a steady stream of podcasts and articles have filled up spare moments. I’ve been listening to a variety of voices, all devoted to one thing, making this a better world for all human beings. As I read and listen, more and . . . Read More
The warmer weather has inspired me to find a new route for my morning walks. Through a bit of exploring, I’ve discovered some sleepy, lesser traveled streets near South Mountain that even provide a bit of shade. At the point where I turn around, a sailboat is parked. It’s been there awhile, and seems like . . . Read More
Earlier this week, our board of directors had to make the difficult decision to keep the Seed closed a bit longer. We were hoping to offer a three-week summer program, to provide much-needed childcare, as well as test our projected adaptations we plan to implement in August. Before finalizing the summer opening date, we determined . . . Read More
The branches on the Seed’s apple tree are heavily weighted with dozens of apples. I’m certain the crop is larger than usual, due to the absence of small “harvesters” this year. The tree is also maturing, and capable of producing more. The apples seem symbolic of the weight upon us at this time in history, . . . Read More
One by one, each child was acknowledged and celebrated. Beginning with our tiniest toddlers, and ending with our 3rd/4th grade graduates, the day of celebration brought a most unusual school year to an end. Despite not being physically present with our students since early March, each teacher had kind, thoughtful words about the students with . . . Read More
When I was a kid, May 1st was a day of connection. We’d make little baskets and fill them with lilacs, popcorn, and candy, then deliver them to friends’ front doors. It was a sweet way to remember close friends. It’s not a practice we see around here. And with social distancing in place, as . . . Read More
Earth Day has historically been one of the most important days of the year at Awakening Seed. It’s an embodiment of the Seed’s mission statement: “Awakening Seed is an innovative, compassionate learning community that inspires global citizens by fostering curiosity, celebrating uniqueness, and promoting social justice.” This year, more than any other year, it was . . . Read More
On Tuesday morning I was over at the Seed taking photos for our upcoming yearbook project. Evidence of spring was everywhere. Bill has been hard at work keeping weeds at bay, and the freshly mown grass looks incredibly healthy. A few class gardens are bursting with produce, including kale, chard, and spinach. Sunflowers are blooming . . . Read More
In most places around the country falling leaves signal the arrival of autumn. Not so in Phoenix. When leaves at the Seed finally cover the ground, we know we’re well on our way to winter. Even though the winter solstice is still a week away, the leaf-covered ground is a sign that our balmy days . . . 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
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
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
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
Since returning from India, I’ve thought about air quality. A lot. It was one part of the trip for which I was unprepared. I managed to escape the common digestive tract illness most people contract while traveling, but ended up coming home with a nasty case of bronchitis. As a result, I’ve appreciated the clean . . . Read More
On my way home the other day, I noticed a yellow sign next to the Circle K at the corner of 40th Street and Baseline. I hadn’t seen it before and realized it was a marker for something that had been near and dear to my heart years ago, the Japanese flower gardens. Long before . . . Read More