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China Mystery Guest

On Thursday, October 28, 2010 we were hosts to our first Mystery Guest of the year. Our thirty students had three minutes to find out why Emily was at our school. In those three minutes they could only ask Emily yes or no questions. Our students quickly guessed Emily was with us to teach us Read More >>

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Ancient China with older students

China is a fascinating country full of many ideas and technology. Many great inventions, which we still use today, originated in Ancient China.  The landforms in China served as barriers and isolated the country from the world around it for many years. Travel and communication, within as well with neighboring countries, was difficult.  Students, grades Read More >>

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Field Trip to see Laura Heyman’s photographs

On Thursday, October 14, the older students went to the Lightworks Gallery to see an exhibit of Laura Heyman’s (Ace’s Mom) photographic portraits taken in Haiti. Prior to leaving the school the children located Haiti on a map. We also reflected back to last year’s explorer unit and asked the question, “Who from the west Read More >>

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Book Clubs

Throughout the year we form book clubs for our students. Book Clubs are formed for many different reasons. Sometimes we the title of the book compliments our social studies or science curriculum. Sometimes a small group of children read a book based on a particular interest. Always we set up book clubs to encourage children Read More >>

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Mystery Powders

Mystery Powders – Who Done It? Older children (grades 5 – 8) are excited about becoming forensic scientists as they try to figure out who stole the youth group’s money from the Temple. Incriminating evidence was left behind in the form of a white powder. After researching local white powder manufacturers we found three companies: Read More >>

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Cubes and Parquetry Pieces

During Math Center, the youngest students have started out this school year exploring math materials.  We began with looking at and playing with cubes and parquetry pieces.  Students were given time to build, explore, play and describe what their pieces could make.  Then we had a discussion about the differences between the cubes and parquetry Read More >>

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Solids, Liquids and Gases

One of the younger students’ science classes, started out exploring how to describe “mystery” objects.  Pairs of students were given bags with one object inside and had to come up with five words that described how these objects felt.  Students’ lists included words such as: bendy, fluffy, hard, soft, rough, smooth, sharp and silky.  When we Read More >>

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Westcott Street Cultural Fair 2010

For many years we have enjoyed being part of the Westcott Street Cultural Fair. Our participation increases our visibility in the University neighborhood, and helps us build community. At Kid’s Corner, located in the Petit Library parking lot, The New School offers inexpensive and healthy snacks, free face painting and chess and checkers. Current students and Read More >>