There is nothing better than the first day of school! Seeing the new kindergarteners digging into their next adventure renews all of us at Friends School of Minnesota. We look forward to another great school year watching all our students grow and learn. \
New Art Studio in Action!
Lately I have been reflecting on how the new art studio has affected my teaching. I am still in awe of the space and realize that it has become what I used to dream about—an inspiring creative space for discovery, exploration, deep thought, and joy. It is truly an art teacher’s dream room! The kindergarten class has been working with clay and thinking about two questions: “What things can be.. Read More
Buddies: Kindergarten and 3rd/4th Grade
We believe children learn best in community and our buddies program is one way we build and strengthen our school community. Buddies is a time for older and younger children to play together and learn from each other. It also provides an opportunity for friendships to form that can last from kindergarten through eighth grade. This year, the Bayou class 3rd and 4th graders are buddies with our kindergarten. (Next year, Bayou students will have.. Read More
Árboles con Colores del Otoño with Kindergarten
Today in kindergarten Spanish class, we made “árboles” con colores del otoño. We made autumn trees in Spanish! Students made leaves (las hojas) by hand and glued them together to create a fall tree. We were inspired by the glorious autmun maple trees outside our new Spanish classroom windows! ¡Feliz otoño! Happy autumn! Sara, Spanish Teacher
Kindergarteners Explore Art Through Provocations
Friends School of Minnesota kindergarteners have weekly art class. This fall, we have been focusing on tools and processes using a variety of materials. During each class, I give them a “provocation” or question to focus on while they work. Some of the provocations they have explored: What happens when I use water to mix materials? Which materials blend together and which materials stay put? What new forms can you.. Read More
Why Do Kindergarteners Think Community Gardens are Important?
“Do you think gardens are an important part of community? Why or why not?” This was a question posed to Friends School of Minnesota kindergarten students before a neighborhood hike to the community garden. I asked them to hold that question while we walked and sketched. We would discuss their ideas after their experience.
Story Workshop in Kindergarten
One of the great things about working in a progressive education school like Friends School of Minnesota, is that learning and teaching remain fresh, vibrant, and full. Our school supports teachers and learners to take risks and expand their creative vision, and knowledge base. In this spirit of trying out new and exciting ideas, I introduced kindergarten students to a new structure for learning called Story Workshop. FSM K-4 teachers have been.. Read More
A Hive of Learning: A Progressive Education Project About Bees
This year, kindergarten students have been studying food, gardens, and farms as a theme. Collaborating with other teachers, we have been exploring our theme through all sorts of activities. These explorations have fueled a deep curiosity about bees. As our bee project unfolds, it is a wonderful example of progressive education in action.