Settling in and getting to know each other

9/13/2022

We have settled in rather quickly in the Brown Room, and there is so much joy! All of the children have been entering the Brown Room with curiosity, confidence, a readiness to start the day. We know that there are few tears now and then, but by the time we ring the bell for morning meeting, they are ready to join us on the green carpet to sing our morning meeting song.

We start by clapping our hands to keep the beat for the "Get Up and Dance" song:

I have a friend named [name].
[name] is his/her/their name.
Get up and dance [name], get up and dance [name], get up and dance [name].
[name] please sit down.

Before we sing about each child, we pause to identify them. With each passing day, the children are learning each other's names, and there is a lot of enthusiasm and joy around knowing someone's name!

The children are reassured that if they do not want to stand up or dance, that's okay. They are free to make their own choice for their body as we sing to them.

Making first plans

"What's the plan?" - Eliza, 2.10 years

During morning meeting, we share our projections and plans for the day. This helps us make our first plans and to know what is happening that day/week. We can also share our intentional groupings for birthday committees or other small groups.

Children who are not in a small group are invited to make a first plan -- message center, construction, etc. They have been so curious about the entire room, but they've been gravitating towards the message center quite a bit. We've also noticed that they are working side by side/in small groups.

Cully, Gracie, Pierce, Henri, George, Lou Lou

Cully, Will, Zoe, Eliza, Gracie, Adaline

Gracie, Cully, Will, Christopher, Adaline, Zoe

Zoe and Cully

Georgia, Christopher, and Gracie pushing the swing back and forth to each other

Reading Head to Toe (Elyse's favorite book)

Connecting with our family and (new) friends

Henri and George

Adaline looking at Elyse's photo album

Family Photo Albums

The children have been very excited to receive messages from their siblings and family members! Feel free to make a message on your way out at drop-off or you can even mail them to the school!