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Are Lyrics to a Song Poetry?

The seven oldest students are taking part in a poetry class, which was inspired by Bob Dylan’s recent nomination for the Nobel Prize for Literature. We started the discussion discussing the difference between a poet and a lyricist. It was interesting that all but one student didn’t feel that Bob Dylan deserved the award. They Read More >>

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Writing Prompt

Writing Prompt is a journaling time where the students are given a specific story starter or topic to write about. After introducing the prompt, the students briefly brainstorm what they might write, offering relevant words that I write on the board. Once they begin writing, they are encouraged to focus on writing their ideas and Read More >>

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Field Trip to Cornell’s Museum of Ornithology

Cornell Museum of Ornithology   The whole school spent the day in Ithaca at Cornell’s amazing Museum of Ornithology. What a treat. The original reason for going was to view the extraordinary mural that is painted on one of the walls – it shows life-sized paintings of birds from every continent. But there was so Read More >>

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Democratic Party Platform

The older students welcomed Lisa Sacco, Democratic delegate and Chief of Staff for Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter to The New School. She came to answer tough questions from our students about the Democratic platform. We discovered that Lisa is a Mohawk and was a designated Native American delegate to the Democratic convention this summer.

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Republican Party Platform

The older students welcomed Tom Dadey, Chairman of the local Republican party to The New School. He came to answer tough questions from the children about immigration, family values, and military spending after they had read sections of the Republican platform.

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Roger De Muth Studio

  Have Van Will Travel: A small group of the older students took a field trip to Cazenovia to visit the studio of illustrator, designer, Syracuse University professor, Roger De Muth. During the visit Roger explained his creative process, and showed the evolution of his illustrative styles. He stressed the importance of writing things down, Read More >>

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13 Colonies

As we delve into our social studies unit this year, students in grades 3 – 5 are taking a close look at where the 13 Colonies were established on the North American continent and who was already here when people started claiming the land.  Currently we’re using maps and stories to explore this concept of Read More >>

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Printing Class

Children in kindergarten have been working on writing upper case letters of the alphabet.  During each class, we use sign language, the sound of the letter and dry erase boards to work on three letters.  At the end of class, children have a chance to write in their journals or continue to practice their letters Read More >>

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Amelia Bedelia

Students in kindergarten and first grade have been enjoying the silly antics of Amelia Bedelia this fall.  During class, we read a book, discuss the “mistakes” that Amelia makes and then draw about some of them.  Each child is working on making their own Amelia Bedelia book to eventually share at home with family and Read More >>

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All About Books Class: Grades 2-4

It has been wonderful being able to teach part of the All About Books unit. The students have put in a great deal of effort to complete and perfect their All About Books. There has been a lot of extra time spent on these during journaling, writing workshops, and through peer and self evaluations. The Read More >>