During lice checks Thursday morning one of the teachers noticed a large praying mantis resting on the edge of the trash can. She pointed it out to a few of her students and they eventually scooped it into an observation container for the day. Later when I stopped by the K-1, the praying mantis was . . . Read More
We’re making a change this year. Since the early 90s, we’ve had the kids come to curriculum night to offer a glimpse into what a typical day might look like. The teachers and students demonstrated how circle goes and activities were planned that involved both parent and child. It’s always been a fun, though slightly . . . Read More
In the summer of 1984 I was operating a small summer program out of my home. The Seed was about to begin its seventh year and I was looking to hire a kindergarten teacher. I heard of a young art teacher who had just graduated from ASU, had experience with young children, and was looking . . . Read More
On Monday morning I looked out my window and saw a mama quail and her three just-hatched babies scurry across our garden. The babies looked like puff balls on wheels. It’s hard to believe something so young could run that fast. I stepped out to catch a photo of them, but alas, they were too speedy. . . . Read More
Last Friday there was a commotion outside our office door. I peeked out and noticed a small person holding a long string. Sure enough, it was one of our Preschool 4s. She exclaimed, “This is how long my dinosaur is!” The string extended the length of the hallway. Her dinosaur, the diplodocus, was the longest . . . Read More
For the past six years I’ve given two Tuesday afternoons a month to serving as a volunteer yoga teacher at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Each time I go I work with two different groups of children and rarely see the same child twice. Some of them have done yoga before at school or with a family . . . Read More
It started with blood and poop, two hot topics in PreK since the beginning of the school year. When such preoccupations linger, there’s only one way to respond: embrace the interest and see where it goes. This happens often around the Seed. When toddlers are mesmerized by falling rain, the teacher sets up sensory experiences . . . Read More
I’ve been a Joni Mitchell fan since way before most people around the Seed were born, staff and parents included. One of my favorites is her song, “River.” It has always spoken to me about the parts of life that carry us off to adventure, both actual and imagined. Daily activity in the sand circle here . . . Read More
The Seed is abuzz with Earth Day enthusiasm. This year our focus is on using reusable drink cups, containers, and shopping bags, as well as looking at myths surrounding recycling. Added to that, the lead staff met Monday to discuss an article called, “For Students, the Importance of Doing Work that Matters.” Author Will Richardson writes: “ . . . Read More
Last Friday Danielle and I had the rare privilege of covering lunch and nap time in the Toddler 2s. Both teachers were away, attending to family matters, and all our subs were occupied. Over the years we’ve both spent our share of time in the toddler classrooms, particularly at lunch time and helping with the . . . Read More
I’m always curious this time of year to see what the teachers come up with for the art auction. On Monday I wandered through classrooms to see what was in the works. My expectations were far surpassed. What I found so interesting was that all of the pieces have some connection to nature, either through . . . Read More
Every Seed week begins with the Monday meeting. All classes, minus a toddler class or two, gather in a huge circle that fills up the multi. We begin in silence, sing to children who have birthdays that week, go over general school business, then move around the circle as each class shares what it’s planning for . . . Read More
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
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
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