The Rigamajig is a new large-scale building kit conceived for hands-on free play and learning. This unique toy was conceived and designed as a custom play feature for the High Line Park in New York City, by independent toy designer Cas Holman of Heroes Will Rise, and Friends of the High Line, in collaboration with early learning Read More >>
Friendship Bracelets and Boondoggle fun
Johnna, our student teacher, enjoyed sharing her interest in arts and crafts activities during investigations. She choose to teach the students how to make friendship bracelets. Each student was given the chance to make a friendship bracelet to then give to a good friend. Boondoggle was another way Johnna engaged her students in conversations. This activity also gave some Read More >>
Highland Forest
Twice a year the whole school spends two days camping in Highland Forest. This outdoor adventure provides us with a wonderful way to get to know each other better and to share in the delights of nature. Our two days are full of hours playing by the pond, catching and releasing critters, hiking in the Read More >>
Investigations
Investigations is scheduled every afternoon from 1:30pm until 2:25pm. Most children will say this is the best part of the day, running neck and neck with gym or outdoor play! During Investigations children are offered a choice of activities. If all their “contract work” from the morning is complete they can sign up for one Read More >>
Gift Giving
Our last day of school is magical. No other way to describe it. Each child is read a letter which celebrates an accomplishment of the year. The whole school listens. Then each child is presented with a gift – a box which illustrates the letter. No two children are the same. No two letters are Read More >>
Centers for our youngest students
Centers are an important part of the day for Kindergarten and First Grade students. Every day they participate in at least one language arts, math and gross/fine motor center. Children learn by playing games in these centers, whether they are adding, subtracting, learning letter sounds or reading sight words. To simplify their contracts, we use Read More >>
Lunch Interviews
Once a year all students at The New School are invited out to lunch by the teacher responsible for his/her individualized curriculum. This year we changed the restaurant from Friendly’s to A La Mode on Nottingham Road in an effort to support local businesses. Over lunch the teacher asks his/her student prepared questions. Questions include: Read More >>
Family Posters
Jessica Ryan Gostin, NS parent, gave us the idea to create “Family Posters” to display in our entranceway. Families were sent a brief set of questions and asked to supply a family photograph. At school their children created a family portrait using flair pens and watercolors. Jessica then put all the pieces together and spent Read More >>
Quidditch for Muggles
Students at The New School formed two Quidditch teams this year. After spending two afternoons practicing, the two teams came together to play in earnest. It didn’t appear to bother anyone that it was snowing! Our game had to be modified slightly but fun was had by all. The chasers Read More >>
Halloween Skits
On Halloween the whole school gets into the spirit by creating skits based on their costumes. The skits had to include music, props, and be non-violent. In addition they were challenged to have at least one of the characters immigrate! You might ask what do a panda, a bounty hunter, Hiccup from How to Train Read More >>