Changes

Some of you have noticed the changes we've been making at school. These are important changes for this particular group of children. One of the problems we've been having is attention during circle time. Kids are distracted by nearly everything, and when teachers have to walk through the kids to get from one phone to another, or go to the bathroom, it's disruptive.

After a long discussion, we decided to move the school around. Less is not more! I exclaimed more than once, and the sighs were egregiously loud and obnoxious, but I got my way. We now have a science station where the kids can play in a sand water table and enjoy the collections we have stored away. What's the point in having a nice display of snake skins if the kids see it once a year for five minutes? Why have fossils if they are hidden away in a plastic box?

"But it's so dirty, and parents want to see things crisp and clean," said a critic.

"So build me a vacuum."

"Don't you have a vacuum?" And so went the conversation.

Science is dirty, so is exploration. Did anyone expect C Columbus to arrive home pleated and starched and ready for court? Why are scientists always disheveled and seem to need a bath and a hair cut? Because science is dirty, you dim wit! Get a clue.

But circle time is not supposed to be a filthy disaster, and that carpet... So we moved it. Now we have a music area and are starting a karaoke on Wednesdays and the kids love it.

Miss Stacey got a small classroom in the main room. This allows her class to have their own spot to work. It's the small world spot and it can double as a puzzle place and a let's look at big book spot.

So. As I said. Less is not more; more is more. We are all looking forward to getting back after vacation to see how this works.