First grade documentation on a project: *From Sap to Syrup*

We just returned from a trip to St. Louis where we worked with two schools, Principia and South City Catholic Academy. In these schools we continue to collaborate with wonderful teachers and administrators who want to grow and evolve their practice as educators. We also returned to my “home school,” The College School. We are always inspired by so much at The College School. It continues to be a touchstone for us…where the faculty practice so much of what Ashley and I help schools work toward. I always find engaged children and teachers, lively classroom atmospheres, a variety of beautiful, well organized and cared for materials available in classrooms, learning that is clear through the practice of “making learning visible” on the walls of the classrooms and hallways, and organization, clarity, and beauty in classrooms.

I started out in the first grade where I met with Melissa Ridings, a friend and colleague of many years. I discovered that in the first and second grades, they are using Secret Stories: Cracking the Reading Code with Brain and Mind. This was new to me. In the first and second grade there were many child-made and illustrated phonics guides. Reading was everywhere and in context. And so were child made guides for creating healthy, happy classroom communities. There were self-portraits of children, photos of families, and evidence of learning through evolving projects or themes, which have been a part of The College School during its nearly 60 year history.

First grade child illustrated phonics guides

Another thing that I noticed about the classroom environments was the place for the teachers’ work and materials. They were often located on counters rather than separate desks, and they were consistently organized and uncluttered. Each classroom has the feel of a lab or studio where materials, books, supplies, spaces are organized for function and beauty, ease and comfort, practical use and aesthetics.

Second grade reading corner featuring families and guides for healthy community and communication

Fourth grade teacher “desk” in a corner on a counter

I also visited the kindergarten and the third and fourth grade. I met some teachers new to me, and some former friends and colleagues. I ended my day with Sarah Hassing, the atlierista in the preschool and kindergarten. I spent some time with three-year-old children exploring clay for the first time with a small block of clay in front of each of them. I wrote a blog post last year about Sarah’s atelier because last April, when I visited, I started there and didn’t get to the rest of the school. I was so enchanted that I couldn’t tear myself away.

Second grade child generated and written guides for partner work

Materials on all tables in the kindergarten

This time, I did not make it beyond fourth grade, but I will next time when I will visit the fifth grade and the middle school. If you have a chance and are near The College School, make a detour and arrange for a visit. If you are looking for inspiration and assurance that beautiful, joyful, education that puts engaged, meaningful learning at the top of the list and features children’s beautiful, excellent work in writing, graphics, science and other disciplines and media, go here. It is one of my favorite schools on the planet.