Importance of Play

Today the current educational trend is to emphasize standardized testing and the preparation needed to ready children for these tests. This work has filtered all the way down to what are being called Pressure-cooker Kindergartens. At Woodside School we believe that a child’s work is play. Play in an enjoyable, voluntary, purposeful and spontaneously chosen activity. It is often creative, involving critical thinking and problem solving skills. Play is linked to growth in memory, self regulation (self-control), oral language and symbol recognition. Play also contributes to the development of literacy skills and academic capabilities in other areas such as math and scientific inquiry. Every decision about our daily routine and activities is made thoughtfully, with specific purpose and a focus on play based, developmentally appropriate learning objectives. Extensive information regarding curriculum is available in our resource room. We are also working on NAEYC Classroom Portfolio's that document all the learning opportunities available to children each day at Woodside School. Your children are learning so much every day!

Beach Plum Jelly

One of the many traditions that has developed over time at Woodside School is that of making beach plum jelly. We are fortunate to have beach plum trees thriving on our playground. The process is not complicated yet there are many steps and much learning that takes place as the children work together to create this delicacy for their families and all the classes at Woodside.

First the children learn about beach plums.

Each child is given a collection basket.

Final instructions are given before the harvesting begins.

Once the plums are harvested the work begins. The plums must be picked over removing stems, leaves and twigs and then checked for any imperfections. After careful inspection they are washed, mashed and cooked on the stove.

Next the plums are boiled and then transferred into a cheesecloth lined sieve to drain over night.

It is through this process that the juice, necessary to make the jelly, is extracted from the plums.

Sugar is added to the juice and it is returned to the stove.

Next the jelly mixture is poured into prepared jars to set up.

In the classroom the children used watercolors to paint decorative lid covers. They also worked carefully on labels for their jelly. Notes were written to the other classes as the children prepared to present their gifts to the younger children at Woodside School.

New Routines

The first week of shortened days went well. Both children, families and teachers were happy to return to school. Over the next weeks we will be working on developing our classroom communities with an emphasis on establishing routines, understanding safety rules and supporting the children and families as they become accustomed to new expectations. The following video will provide an overview a typical day at Woodside School.

Back to School

It was a busy summer at Woodside School. We have been working on completing our NAEYC Classroom Portfolios that document all the learning that happens at Woodside each day. These portfolios are one part of the re-accreditation process that we are currently undergoing. Many hours have been spent organizing photos, writing descriptions, gathering documentation and thoughtfully reflecting on the work we do to prepare children to enter the larger community. We have all worked together to clean and organize the classrooms and plan for the upcoming weeks as we begin again. However, it wasn't all work this summer. Two pizza parties took place in order to provide families with an opportunity to reconnect and enjoy each others' company. Fun was had by all. Planning was also underway for our first annual Woodside 5K Walk/Run. We hope you will join us for this fun family event on November 1, 2009.

It is hard to believe that the Summer is fading and we are entering a new school year. We are looking forward to developing our classroom communities, reconnecting with all of our returning families and welcoming new families. It was a pleasure to see so many families at our orientation evenings and visiting days. We are happy to hear the sounds of children in our classrooms once again.

Welcome back!

Community

We were happy to host Mr. Yaeger Thursday afternoon for a community sing a long. All of the afternoon classes came together in the atrium at 3:15 to enjoy music together. It was a welcome end to a rainy day.

Mr. Yaeger, thank you for sharing your music with Woodside School.

Making Discoveries Through Play

Essential Traits

Essential traits that children need in order to thrive in today's world.

Mood Mastery: Becoming balanced in emotional response

Respect: Listening to others to develop understanding

Expressiveness: Talking about feelings, needs, observations, values, ideas

Passion: Developing and protecting enthusiasm and love of life

Peer Smarts: Developing positive relationships with peers

Focus: Paying attention; developing a love of learning

Body Comfort: Accepting physical traits

Caution: Thinking ahead, being accountable

Team Intelligence: Being part of a group with a sense of self

Gratitude: Encouraging gratefulness, faith and spirituality


source: Nurturing Good Children Now by Dr. Ron Taffel