Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Welcome to Kids' Workshop!

We kicked off our KW school year with two veterans (Grace M. and Joslin) and two new Rainey friends ( Evelyn and Grace D.).  As is our custom, we began our afternoon with a brief time outside before coming upstairs for lunch.  Before sitting down together,  the two Graces set the table together, which is another KW routine.  This process required two tablecloths and decorations that included Mardi Gras beads, feathers, and glass "gems."  During lunch, Evelyn was heard to remark, "I like this table.  It's really pretty."

During lunch, children shared some of the things they knew about Kids' Workshop.  Here's the conversation:
   Grace M. - You have lunch.  You play for a few minutes and then you go home.  A little long minutes and then go home.  
    Joslin - You always go outside.
    Grace D. - Sometimes you go to the playground , sometimes you go to Volta Park.
   Grace M. - Last year, I loved when some people were here that I didn't know.  Like Tucker Room friends.  I was a little afraid.
    Joslin - I think it's because it was her first day.

There was a surprise before lunch!  Children were given a present to open.  They were delighted to see the place cards their family members had prepared for them.  During lunch, Evelyn commented, "I love my really, really sparkly present."  After lunch, children used the collage materials and watercolors that were available to their families to make their own creations.  

At the end of our day, children worked collaboratively to set up the light table provocations that you see above.  They were excited to create arrangements that would greet all the children as they come to school tomorrow morning.  Throughout the afternoon, we saw that children were connecting with each other in a variety of ways. For example, they shared knowledge about how KW (and the school) worked, they looked a photo albums together, and they cooperated and challenged each other in the outdoor classroom.  We look forward to an exciting year together!