Sir Ken Robinson's TEDtalks "Escaping Education's Death Valley"

If you have not heard Sir Ken Robinson speak you are missing out!  His delivery style is humorous and engaging while shining light on the problems with education in America. He is an advocate for children, teachers and the communities they live in. I would love for you to view this and share your thoughts. Let's keep keep striving for what is best for children. Enjoy!
TEDtalks Sir Ken Robinson

Lively Minds

Lillian Catz has written a great resource for early childhood educators delineating the difference between academic and cognitive goals for young children. It is summarized in a 4 minute video on the website linked here: Lively Minds . I hope you find this helpful.

Play environment plans with Emmanuel Didier.

Want to learn more about the new outdoor play environment but can't make it to a presentation?  Here it is:  Play environment design presentation. I am so excited to share with you the possibilities for our children.

New outdoor play environment plans are underway!

 The Early Childhood teachers at Wichita Collegiate School have been dreaming for years about creating a new outdoor play space worthy of children. Early in 2014 a team of teachers started putting those dreams into a written plan. With the help of a core group of engaged parents, the playground design committee began working with landscape designer Emmanuel Didier.  Mr. Didier blended all of our ideas, hopes, and dreams into a meaningful design concept that will bring beauty and inspiration to our campus. This beautiful, engaging natural play space for 2-6 year-olds holds the heart of the child in highest regard. It will foster a love for nature, engage all of the senses, inspire creativity, and bridge learning from the classroom to the outdoors. The space will feature a variety of large motor activities, such as climbing, swinging, jumping and rolling down hills. The design also includes areas for science, gardening, dramatic play, art and open-ended play. A large covered patio for special events, picnics, outdoor games, basketball, jumping rope, hopscotch completes the design and creates a space with endless possibilities. We are excited to make this dream come true for the children of today and for generations to come.

Re-thinking outdoor play environments

I love that my job requires me to seek what is best for children and my school community wants nothing less. My colleagues and I love spending our days, months and years with children.  Children inspire us to do our best, be our best and seek the best in others. Right now we are in the process of creating the best outdoor play environment for our children. As I seek to understand what is best for children I enjoy reading about research and best practices around the world. I enjoyed the article linked here and I think you might too.  Enjoy!
Natural Playgrounds

Thoughts on Choosing the Right School

Choosing the right school for your young child can be both exciting and anxiety-producing.  For first time parents the task is a big one and if you are new in town it can seem huge.  Here are some things to look for in a school for your child:

Teacher quality is of the highest importance.  Degrees and experience do matter.  When inquiring about schools ask about years of experience, level of education and parent satisfaction surveys.  Teachers who love what they do are completely invested in being the best teachers they can be.

Class size and student-teacher ratio matter.  Your child deserves to have a small enough class size that allows the teacher to know your child well. Teacher aides are helpful but cannot replace the teacher’s wisdom and guidance.  Even the most talented teachers will be less effective when given too many students. 

Caring relationships create fertile soil for learning.  The ‘sweet spot’ of learning is achieved when teachers and students share ideas and information in personal and meaningful exchanges.  When caring teachers connect with their students the students are motivated to work hard and inspired to try new things.  

Is the school’s mission in line with your goals for your child?  Are you looking for a learning environment that is academic, play-based, developmental, or has another emphasis?  The school community will be like an extended family for your child.  Select a school that supports your family values and will partner with you in educating your child to become the motivated, well-rounded, life-long learner that you desire.

Wichita Collegiate School may be a perfect fit for your child.  We offer half day and full day traditional and Montessori classrooms. If you want to learn more about the enrollment options for children ages two through Kindergarten please contact me at bohearn@wcsks.com.  I would love to share with you why Collegiate early childhood is a great choice to start your child’s educational journey.

Meaningful Play and Quality Schools

Meaningful play is at the heart of quality early childhood education according to researchers in New York . I hope you enjoy this article.  http://nyti.ms/1FzmCMp