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