The Garden School's Curriculum

I was stunned this morning when a new parent came into school and complained that her child did nothing at school but watch TV. The child reported that during the day, he watched videos.

It’s always important to ask children what they do during the day. Sometimes they remember, and sometimes they don’t because a child is a creature of the immediacy.

FYI, for other parents who believe that our curriculum begins and ends with TV, today we had breakfast on the patio, came in for circle time and Bible stories that was followed by art – we painted deserts. Every piece of artwork done at school must have the child’s handwritten name on it. If a child cannot write his name, he is responsible to raise his hand and ask for help. If a child doesn’t do either, that’s his choice too, and we throw out nameless papers.

We played soccer in gym class, had a science lesson on rocks and rock formations, created a volcano which erupted all over the yard, and then stayed outside for a short recess. I read a story called, "The Stupid's Step Out." It's a funny story that makes them laugh. I read it because one of the kids was upset about being called a name. We talked about name calling and how unkind it is.

We had marinated and barbequed chicken and Italian sausage cooked on the grill, our own garden grown zucchini that I hand breaded and deep fried, we had oranges, watermelon, green grapes, bread and butter, a rice and bean and cheese casserole, tater tots for the hard to please and milk. Jackie Snyder had an apple.

We played about 30 minutes outside and came in for a history lesson on rocks. History? We started with all the primitive formations like Stonehenge, The Easter Islands, and some places in the Middle East.

I reminded the children of the Bible quote about building your house on rock. Then I showed them some examples of houses and villages that have been around about 4000 years.

We looked at the pyramids and reminded the children of something they learned earlier, that the tallest building in the world was the pyramid before 1900. We simply did not have the technology. We talked about the Laseau Caves and about ancient cave art – done on rock about 40,000 years ago.

We ended our lesson with Mount Rushmore and stories about the four presidents who grace that “rock.”

Tomorrow we will go to Garden of the Gods.

We think it’s a good curriculum and the children are learning. But it’s real hands on, and hands on can’t be done from a chair. Too many parents have a deodorized notion of childcare where the children sit spotlessly clean around darling hand painted furniture in a shining clean room doing work sheets. You can accomplish that for about 35 seconds. You should see our hand painted furniture.

In an environment like that two things are happening: The teachers know nothing about childcare and their time and effort is being put into the room not the child.

If you want a hospital for your child, there are facilities available where children never go outside and if they do, it’s a concrete base and nap time is ¾ of the day. Or try Le Petite Academy where the national standard is comparable to dry storage.

Edith and I have been in this business since just after the flood. We are not eager to make a great name for ourselves or win the “Mrs. Clean” award for childcare. We are spending our knowledge packed years on the children because they are our most important cultural asset.

As Miss Molly said, “I’m giving my life to children because I love them.”