Our Study Focus for 2019:
Community Influences
in the Dynamics of Learning and Developing
2019 Festival of Learning
Group Presentations
Babbling Brook Classroom
- Children: Asa, Avery, Cyrus, Emma, Eva, Francisco, Hugh, Ian, Jacob, James, Liam and Persephone
- Teachers: Alina, Azan, Marilyn, Rita and Vicki
Background
The children in the Babbling Brook Classroom are the youngest classroom in the C5 Children’s School. The children’s learning group is known as the “Caterpillars.” The age group ranges in age from six months to eleven months old. The children are walking, standing, pulling up, crawling, creeping, and/or beginning to become mobile. They are active participants in learning and are very focused observers of their peers, the environment, and everything in it. They are also definitely forming many personal interests.
Our Caterpillar friends were interested in objects that made a sound. Educators set up several different areas that included a Music Together area for children to explore with musical instruments. The area soon became the space many children went to grasp shakers, tambourines, and small drums.
It sparked our children’s interest in music, sounds, and dance leading to our exploration of Music Together books, instruments, and music CDs.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
How does your child participate in cooking at home? How can you support your child’s interest in food?
“We listen to music in the car (radio, playlist, baby lullabies). At home, Eva plays with her activity center that has buttons for different music keys and songs. She really enjoys music. Leo sings sometimes to Eva.” — Julis, Eva’s mom
“Lots of listening and dancing…music is always on! So far he responds to calming music (he likes yoga chants), and don’t know if he’s responded to happy music yet!” — Jill, Julian’s mom
“Hugh’s big brother Murphy likes to sing and dance, and Hugh is always watching. Mama plays pop music on the radio on the drive to school. Hugh’s favorite song is “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” It makes him smile every time! ” — Katie, Hugh’s mom
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Keyboard/soundboard
- Guitar
- Auto-harp
- Flutes/recorders and harmonica
- Guitar
- Shakers and bells
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- They played Music Together songs at home and attended weekly music together gatherings.
They visited to the Library for song and dance - They explored musical instruments at home
- They came in to play instruments and/or sing with the children. v Parents volunteered to go on a fieldtrip
Public Demonstrations
Babbling Brook Classroom The Caterpillars “Musical Instruments” at the SF Center Cafe, May 3rd at 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Caterpillars” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019″
Sea Shore Classroom
- Children: Beckett, Ronan, Ilya, Augustine, Tadgh, Eila, Freja, Annette, Roshan, Penelope
- Teacher: Nicole, Courtney, Jenny
Background
In general, the seashore children enjoy eating and tasting new foods. Following those interests, the teachers presented the Seashore children with more books about fruits and vegetables. As the children explored the books, the teachers followed their leads to extended and build on that interest.
Over the course of four weeks, the children’s interest in food was the primary motivation and energy for exploring fruits and veggies more extensively. The exploration included shopping at the farmer’s market for a variety of items, cleaning them, tasting them in different forms, studying each part of them, and cooking recipes using them.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
What do you think was most memorable about the fruits and vegetables exploration?
“I think she enjoyed squishing the sweet potato the most.” — Mackenzie, Beckett’s mother
“When we had squash at home after the exploration, it seemed like Ronan recognized it and possibly put together that he had the squash at school before.” — Beckett, Ronan’s father
“It was fun to work with the children as they helped to wash and clean the fruits and vegetables in the water table.” — Azan, Babbling Brook Teacher
“When we went on the farmer’s market trip, the children seemed to pick up on everything going on as we walked down the street. The children clapped and watched when we came upon a band playing music ” — Maryam, Ilya’s mother
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Mirrors, tunnels, mirror box, and light table
- Balls, cars, puzzles, and stacking toys
- Stuffed animals, pillows, and scarves
- Books, CDs, and radio boom box
- Musical Instruments and clothing
- Shakers and bells
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Sing songs
- Take music lessons and seminars with their children
- Bringing in musical instruments
- Singing with children
- Attending music together and performing for the children
Public Demonstrations
Sea Shore Classroom – The Butterflies “Musical Instruments” at the Civic Center Park, May 24th at 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Butterflies” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019″
Bayshore Classroom
- Children: Eon, James, Taylor, Norah, Fianna
- Teachers: Courtney and Adriana
Background
During uninterrupted free exploration in the classroom, the teachers frequently observed the children choosing the same items that were available, such as the “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” book. Different projects were planned to help make connections with the book and the world around them.
The teachers provided numerous copies of the book for all the Hummingbird children, because they constantly wanted to read it. Many possibilities for learning were established as the teachers continued to plan activities around the children’s fascination with the book.
To add a sense of expanded scale to the “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” book, we purchased large laminated photos of each character of the book. The children created their own story by using imaginative play and choosing which animal to interact with next.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
“Books are everywhere in our house. We love to read books together, and Norah is starting to read with us and on her own ” — Michelle, Norah’s mother
“Taylor has a few favorite books that we read. In other books, he likes to look for certain things, like balls or bears or squirrels. He always likes to turn the pages. In fact, sometimes he’s so eager to turn the pages that we don’t get very much of the book read! He also does the ASL sign for book sometimes, usually not long after he wakes up in the morning and sees books by the bed. We also have three potty books and he has learned “potty,” “yuck,” and “stinky,” reading them. ” — Christi and Tom, Taylor’s parents
“Books are a big part of Freja’s bedtime routine. After bath time, she goes straight to her bookshelf to pick out books she would like to read. We have multiple locations throughout our apartment with books available, so she can independently explore, as well. She enjoys flipping through pages, touching different textures, and identifying animals she recognizes. We often find her sitting with her books looking through them unprompted by her parents.” — Erin, Freja’s mom
“Eila loves books right now, especially books with rhyming, and books about babies and animals. She is very actively trying to learn language through the books and mimic sounds she hears as we read. She loves reading books over and over, too, as she learns the words and recognizes pages. She also loves interactive books with flaps or textures.” — Megan, Eila’s mom
Featured Videos
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Produce, including Squash, Apples, Banana, and Berries
- Fabric
- Pillow Stuffing
- Sewing Machine
- Musical Instruments
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Tried similar foods
- Read familiar books
- Explored Textures (food, paint, mud, etc.)
Public Demonstrations
Bayshore Classroom – The Hummingbirds “Climbing, Crawling, Cruising“ at the Civic Center Park, May 8th at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Hummingbirds” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019″
Bayshore Classroom
- Children: Anmar, Astor, Avram, Ethan, Geneva, Hudson, Nathan, Philippa, Quinn, Ronan, Shoshana, Toni
- Teacher: Mitch, Rachel, Monica
Background
Most of the children in the Penguins learning group began together in the infant classroom. Since the children were young, they were empowered to freely explore the environment, the items in it, and each other. They began early in forming a community of learners.
At first, they simply laid on their backs near each other. While they were becoming familiar with their own bodies, voice, and reflexes, they noticed that they were accompanied by other children who were similar in sizes to them.
Once they became more mobile, they started to climb on top of each other. They used their inquisitiveness and body senses to “investigate” their friends. It included mouthing, smelling, and touching each other. We, as the teachers, also modeled how to be gentle with each other.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
“Being from a different city, we’ve had to work to build a network of support here in San Francisco. C5 had played a big role in that. We have friends and families that we’ve known since Max was a baby and now Nathan and their younger siblings are growing up together. It’s been so important to our lives to have this network of people that we can count on if we need them and a group of adults that the boys trust and can count on. And having the friendships carry on even as Max has moved on to a different preschool has provided some good consistency in his life. I love the friends we’ve all made.” — Alyson & Peter, Nathan’s and Maxwell’s parents
“For us, the teachers of C5 are a treasure and a part of the family that cares for Ronan and Cormac. We will keep Cormac at C5 until kindergarten because he and now Ronan, are in an environment that cares and supports them as they grow. We are so lucky!” — Laura & Patrick, Ronan’s and Cormac’s parents
“New parents like us find joy in seeing their first child gain confidence and independence. With the amazing community of educators, parents, and members at C5, Hudson has been able to not only gain his confidence, but also build upon relationships and interactions, all which have been positive attributes to his growth and development.” — Nancy & Barry, Hudson’s parents
“At C5, we see how the range of thematic activities that teachers do with the children contribute to Toni Astrid’s growth in how she experiences the world around her, fosters her curiosity and give her tools to learn new things. Bu the most valuable thing we are so grateful for is that Toni can grow up in the C5 community where she has the chance to form a long term relationship with a primary teacher and friendships to empathy and other..” — Toi & Erik, Toni’s parents
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Produce, including Squash, Apples, Banana, and Berries
- Fabric
- Pillow Stuffing
- Sewing Machine
- Musical Instruments
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Tried similar foods
- Read familiar books
- Explored Textures (food, paint, mud, etc.)
Public Demonstrations
Bayshore Classroom – The Penguins “Making Goop” at the Civic Center Park, May 8th at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Penguins” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019
Bay Classroom
- Children: Amelia, Ethan, Scout, Everett, Lucy, Quinn, James, Charles, Isana, Daniel, Raksha, Helen, Anmar, Avram, Hudson, Toni, Quinn, Nathan
- Teachers: Mitch, Asako, Van
Background
As the school year of 2018-2019 started, the toddler programs had quite a few students who had different food allergies or sensitivities, and food preferences, such as vegetarian or vegan. That provoked us, as early childhood educators, to pay closer attention to the importance of young children’s food intakes and nutrition, as well as to the impact it has on their healthy development.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
How does your child participate in cooking at home? How can you support your child’s interest in food?
“Not to much, sometimes helps put things in a bowl. Sometimes he will only try a new food at the end of a meal. When he is very hungry he wont explore. We try to give him vegetables first, like peas and corn with butter which he likes. We try to limit snacks so he is hungry at meals, where there is more diverse flavors. ” — Miriam
“We show him all ingredients that go into rep and show him how to mix those ingredients together and cook the food. We normally ask him if he wants what we are preparing while we cook. He also eats what he eats.” — Barry
“Selecting food when shopping at market. Picking out items to prepare (eggs, veg, berries). Breaking eggs (his favorite). Using the whisk (he loves that word) to stir batter. Pushing down toaster button. How can you support your child interest in food? Talking about food. Making a big deal of food he’s involved in making. Making food in shapes (we use cookie cutters for eggs).” — Eric
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- James’s family brought books
- Toni, Daniel and Avram’s families brought vegetables
- Daniel’s family brought a vegetable
- Nathan’s family brought clothing for dramatic play
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Daniel helps with reading stories
- James learned to eat big pieces of broccoli
- Charles learned more names of vegetable and fruit
- Raksha learned to peel the orange skin
- Avram helps cleaning up
Public Demonstrations
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Bay Apples” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.
Pacific Classroom
- Children: Quinn, Robin, Chen-Xi, Dominic, Everly, Hugh, Leo, Lucy, Matilda, Simon, Taran, Wiley
- Teacher: Jane, Emily, Zahara, Linda
Background
At first we heard, “a tower.” The Pacific Peaches, ages 18 to 30 months, were engineering towers out of Lego blocks. Every day, they would gather. Every day, their towers grew taller and taller. Younger children watched older children build, emulating them. Children began sharing materials with helpers handing blocks to builders. The Peaches were beginning to build a sense of community through their shared interest in building together with blocks.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
What activities do you do with your child that you feel helps build a sense of community and bonding? What activities or projects do you feel helped your child build a sense of community or bond with their friends?
“Going with our friends and their kids to farmers market, eating together at home with friends, and going to the park or library to have fun around our kids. Eating together as a group, Helping each other with craft projects and other new activities, Music Together, and welcoming new friends into the classroom.” — Helen and Kathleen, parents of Lucy
“Travel together with other kid’s family, share food with other kids, share toys at playground, and respect different schedules, lower voices when other kids are sleeping. Build magnetic tiles together, celebrate birthdays for friends, and take turns when drinking water from fountains.” — Ying and Tianshi, parents of Chen
“Play dates with C5 friends, lots and lots of birthday parties with C5 friends, and talk about daily activities with friends when at home. Building things together like magnet tiles, blocks and more. Projects like painting, cooking, etcetera. Eating together (ranked #1).” — Leigh and Mark, parents of Leo
“Ronan has a very close family. We have weekly Sunday night dinner with his grandparents and Aunt and Uncle. We take a hike near our home in the Presidio and eat together. Ronan loves to be involved in all aspects of the household. We incorporate him into all chores and activities and he loves to help!” — Laura and Patrick, parents of Ronan
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Cardboard boxes, food containers, old clothes
- Legos from home
- Markers, crayons, watercolor paper, photos, recipes, books, stories of discussions with Peach friends about things they miss at school or things they love doing at school.
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Play dates with classmates
- Cardboard box explorations with the family cat
- Families shared examples of siblings building with their C5 child at home: Philippa’s brother Alex and Taran’s older brother Rohan
- Stacking items at home together: Dominic, Matilda and Wiley like to build at home ~ Exploring large boxes at home mirroring projects done in the classroom
Public Demonstrations
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Pacific Peaches” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
(The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.)
Mighty Oak Classroom
- Children: Wild Wild Fishies- Caden, Everett, Mary, Josephine, Olivia, Johan, Hadley
- Teachers: Isabella
- Children: Little Big Frogs- Naveen, Elias, Beckett, Kaliopi, Kayomi, Evie
- Teachers: Erin
Background
The Mighty Oaks’ dance project was an offshoot of their interest in jumping. In the beginning of the school year, the children in the group discussed their interests. Jumping was mentioned by several friends. We explored jumping by looking at different aspects of jumping and asking, How high can you jump? How far can you jump? Then, we investigated different kinds of jumping. We looked at athletes, animals, and dancers. When we studied dancers’ jumps, we were able to enlist help from our school community. One of our teachers who studies ballet dancing demonstrated how to do ballet jumps. That sparked a new fascination for the children. Watching the dancing live with music inspired them to imitate ballet movements and embellish their own moves.
When we saw how the children responded to the dance demonstration, we reached out for more volunteer teachers from our family and staff community.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
“The dancing project sparked a whole new interest for our daughter. She came home interested in new music as well as in teaching the rest of the family about her new smooth moves.” — Laurel, Kaliopi’s mom
“Josie started coming home with new moves and couldn’t wait to show us her jumping, ballet, break dancing (!!!) and other amazing moves she developed with her friends during the dancing project. I come from a big Greek family that loves to dance and spontaneous dance parties are common in our house. Now Josie is a full-fledged participant and can’t wait to get in the mix!” — Jamie, Josie’s mom
Featured Videos
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Hats to wear while line dancing.
- Ingredients for cooking projects
- Parents dressed children in clothes for dancing, including twirly dresses, and boots
- Families brought in books about dancing
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Families had their own dance parties.
- Families listened to “La Raspa” at home.
Families shared their favorite songs with us, so we could add them to our dance playlist. - Parents were taught the dances by their children.
Public Demonstrations
Mighty Oak Classroom – The Wild, Wild Fishies “Reading Out Loud” at the SF Center Cafe, May 6th at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. “Dancing” at the Civic Center Park, May 20th at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
The Train Stars“Ikebana Flower Arrangement” at the Civic Center Park, May 13th & 28th at 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Wild Wild Fishies” and “The Trains Stars” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.
Cable Car Classroom
- Children: Quinn, Henry, Malia, Crosby, Marie, Ishaan, Renzo, Georgina, Leo, Luca, Lucien, Cyrus, Robin, Quinn, Lucy, Scout, Max, Everett
- Teacher: Mariana, Meghan, Monica
Background
Outside on the Courtyard, the Little Birds learning group observed a bird collecting a lot of sticks to make a nest. Day after day, the Little Birds observed the process of the bird building a nest, laying her eggs, and taking care of the baby birds. The continued process sparked the Little Birds interest in birds.
They started requesting books about birds, owls, and other information related to birds. They also sang and listened to songs about birds. The children raised some questions about birds, including “Where do the birds live?” “How are they born?” and “Who takes care of the birds?”
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
Which of Your Communities are Influencing your child?
” Our Bay Area friends are helping Georgina learn and grow. They model kindness, curiosity, and an enthusiasm for exploring the opportunities within the city.” — Eva and Jason, parents of Georgina
“Our community includes, in order of importance: grandparents, friends, C5 community, Carolina- nanny, Le- sister, SF Tots.” — Van and Matthew, parents of Robyn
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Malia’s mom brought cotton balls and feathers
- Cyrus mom brought paint
- Georgina’s parents brought sponges
- Luca’s parents brought a pirate book
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Everett did yoga at home to extend our weekly Creative Movement & Dance sessions
- Henry’s family went to farmers market
- Crosby meditates at home
- Rosie’s family bought her a dress with wings when they were exploring birds.
Public Demonstrations
Cable Car Classroom – The Little Birds “Magnet-Tiles Exploration“ at the CA Center Great Hall, May 2nd at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
“Yoga at the Park” at the Civic Center Park, May 9th at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
“Water Color Exploration” at the CA Center Great Hall, May 21st at 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Little Birds have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.”
Redwood Classroom
- Children: Avni, Enzo, Louise, Otis, Zoe, Watson, Zavier, Maeve, Ezaad
- Teachers: Geoffrey
Background
The project is a story about children working together toward a goal. It is a story about people supporting others so that they can succeed. It is a story that shows the attention, generosity, and support people willingly give to those who work hard.
It started as a puzzle activity. The Redwoods would come to school every morning and pick out puzzle boxes to assemble. The classroom only had three. They were the dinosaur, endangered animals, and fire truck giant puzzles. The children helped each other find pieces that connected until they completed the whole puzzle.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
Community Comments about the Project
“That is an amazing project.” — Rachna, Kayomi’s mom
“The leaves are falling. Like in fall!” — Vick, Penn’s mom
“Louise is so excited about their project. She’s asking about pipes and electricity. I brought some pipe cleaners you can use for your house.” — Jenn, Louise’s mom
“That is a wonderful tree house!” — Anne, Evie’ Grammy
“V’s group is doing a similar exploration. Do you want me to hook you up with them?” — Selene, C5 CA State Building Center Director
Featured Videos
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Food ingredients
- Hot glue guns
- Picture frame
- Pipe cleaners
- Puzzles
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Checked in with their child about the project; for example, their contributions to the group and their feelings about the project
- Identified salient features of their own house and labeled them to increase vocabulary
- Studied plumbing and electrical
Public Demonstrations
Redwood Classroom – The Flying Slimy Butterflies “Cooking Project” at the CA Center Mezzanine, May 13th at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm & May 29th, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
The Little Big Frogs “Making Pizza” at the Civic Center Park, May 14th at 10:30 am – 11:30 am & “Making Goop” at the Civic Center Park, May 22nd, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
The Flying Slimy Butterflies” and “The Little Big Frogs” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.
Golden Gate Classroom
- Children: Cash, Cormac, Gabriel, Eleanor, Gwen, Rosie, Brigid, Tova, Ryan, Noah
- Teacher: Barbara
Background
Since the beginning of the school year in September, the children have been exploring the concept of nature as a key part of the community around us. We have included the hummingbirds, the garden plants, the bugs in the courtyard, and our classroom fish and pet lizard as members of our community. As the children have learned to understand and care for their natural environment, their interest expanded to other animals, including the animals who live nearby in the ocean and on our beaches.
To facilitate this learning, and to reach out to another community partner, the teachers invited the Marine Mammal Center to visit the classroom. The Marine Mammal Center, a private not-for-profit organization, is the largest teaching veterinary hospital for marine mammals in the world. It is located nearby in Sausalito, California.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
While in New York, Tova and her family visited the Brooklyn Aquarium. She correctly identified the harbor seals. “They are eating fish and swimming,” she said. “They say maaa.”
Gwen and her father, Greg, traveled to Point Reyes to see the elephant seals in the winter. Back at their home, Gwen said, “I like elephant seals. They’re so crazy. Remember they make the different sound.”
Some of the Golden Gate Children spent time outside with the toddlers in the afternoon. While they were outside passing out water, a teacher Jane realized they had two cups of water left. She asked Cormac, “What should we do with the water?” Cormac responded, “We can put seeds in the water and that will help the seeds grow. We need some dirt too. We do this in my group with Barbara
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Marine mammal puppets
- Cardboard for herding boards used in marine mammal rescue
- A large plastic syringe for pretend mammal feeding
- A net for rescuing
- Bandages for mammal injuries
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Visited Marine Mammal Center
- Visited the Drakes Beach elephant seal colony at Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Visited the Academy of Sciences
- Visited the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Visited the sea lions at Pier 39, San Francisco.
Public Demonstrations
Golden Gate Classroom – The Flying Tigers “How to Save a Sea” at the Civic Center Park, May 15th & 23rd, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Flying Tigers” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.
Golden Gate Classroom
- Children: Stewart, Deniz, Andrew, Tobias, Avni, Clio, Olivia
- Teachers: Vernard
Background
We maintain a democratic process when it comes to deciding on what projects or explorations to pursue: We ask each of the group members to contribute ideas. If we are unable to arrive at an immediate consensus, we vote on each idea. Then, we proceed with the top vote-getter while accommodating the minority interests.
During the discussion of projects, we uncovered a common interest in robots. So, it was decided that we would build a series of robots using different materials for each one. The first one was to be made from clay.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
I feel blessed that my parents sang with me as a child, and now I can sing with Hector and watch his language development flourish. Lately, he has been making up his own songs! Anyone can sing regardless of natural talent. It has been a joy seeing how much fun all of Hector’s friends have when Grandma Jeanie comes to sing. It feels like I am home when I listen to my mom sing, and I am so happy that she can share that with Hector’s friends. —Katherine, Hector’s mom
I love that all the Kids call me Grandma Jeanie, it’s very endearing. I have always felt very welcome, and the kids are amazing. I love bringing in singing and movement games, because it gives the kids a variety of experiences, not just singing. They keep a beat, follow instructions, sing along, and have fun! –Grandma Jeanie, Hector’s Grandma
Featured Videos
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Marine mammal puppets
- Cardboard for herding boards used in marine mammal rescue
- A large plastic syringe for pretend mammal feeding
- A net for rescuing
- Bandages for mammal injuries
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Visited Marine Mammal Center
- Visited the Drakes Beach elephant seal colony at Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Visited the Academy of Sciences
- Visited the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Visited the sea lions at Pier 39, San Francisco.
Public Demonstrations
Golden Gate Classroom – The Pterodactyls “Exploring Clay” at the CA Center Cafeteria, May 17th & 30th, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Pterodactyls” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.
Golden Gate Classroom
- Children: Eliot, Ray, Dena, Sloan, Hector, Silas, Evan, Nick
- Teacher: Steven
Background
The Worker Robots Learning Group is a diverse group of children with mixed ages ranging from three to five years old. Since the beginning of the 2018 – 2019 school year, the group has engaged in several different projects with wide areas of interests. A few of the projects we have completed include: building ramps and discovering the various properties of things that roll, cooking and making our own strawberry jam, learning about spiders, and currently, observing how eating various foods affect our bodies.
Throughout the different explorations during our group project time, each child engaged in his or her own learning style, displayed their unique temperament, and followed their own curiosities while working with others in the group.
Project Exploration
Parent-Family Quotes
What has your child said about any of the projects we have done in school? Which project? What can you share from the conversation?
“Eliot mentioned the beets project the group is doing a few times. Not sure if it is just because it is his personal favorite. He said you made beet juice, and it isn’t very yummy, but he likes beets with salt and pepper.” — Cathy, Eliot’s mom
“Evan loved making the playhouse out of cobb with you (this might be from the Lemon Squeezy era, vs. the Worker Robot one…), and more recently, chatted a lot about the jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, rings) that he and his classmates make from string, beads and pipe cleaners: “I made this for you to wear to work,” etc. I actually do wear those pieces to work.” — Nicole, Evan’s mom
“Like the other kids, Nick was fascinated by the fact of beet juice turning your pee red, and he did not hesitate to tell us (and people like restaurant servers and supermarket checkout people) about it all week. Nick was also taken by the tie-dying project and was super proud to wear his tie-dyed shirt.” — Amy, Nick’s mom
Featured Video
Examples of Community Influences
Items brought into the classroom in line with Weekly Plans
- Beets to discover if eating beets made our pee turn red
- White T-shirts to dye with beet water
- Stacks of newspaper to use as stuffing for making our large model spider
- Mangoes and coconut milk to make the special dessert, “mango fool”, for a child’s birthday
What families did at home to continue and extend the explorations and projects at school
- Parents took home jars of classroom-made berry jam and shared them with family for breakfast.
- Parents had conversations with their children about classroom explorations.
- Parents reviewed daily stories and weekly plans with their children at home.
Public Demonstrations
Golden Gate Classroom – The Worker Robots “Bubble Exploration” at the Civic Center Park, May 16th & 24th, 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Ribbon Cutting
Our Annual Festival of Learning Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that opens the festival is held each year on May 1st, typically, from 9:30–10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall of the Ronald M. George State Office Complex at 455 Golden Gate Avenue in San Francisco.
“The Worker Robots” have been preparing for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for weeks during their other daily explorations, expressions, group bonding, and other amazing adventures, a few of which are represented elsewhere in their area on this website.
The teachers and parents will also document the group’s participation in the ceremony. Much of that information, including statistics about the participants, photos, and videos, will be available on a page linking from this one soon after the ceremony is over on the morning of May 1, 2019.
