Holiday Celebrations
This time of year we recognize the many holidays that are celebrated in our country and around the world. While there are cultural sensitivities around saying, “Merry Christmas,” or “Happy Holidays,” children are open to learning about different holiday traditions. In addition, they are proud of the traditions in their own families and excited to share those with others…
November Classroom Updates
The Otter class is exploring the theme of autumn. They read a book by Jane Yolen about the change of the seasons. They spend outdoor time collecting colorful leaves, seeds, nuts, lichen, moss, and rocks. The kids enjoy collecting sticks to build pretend campfires…
Actitud De Gratitud
Every day I drive into our beautiful school campus, I can’t help but feel grateful. I get to work with amazing children and colleagues and I get to teach and share two of my passions: Yoga AND Spanish! This month I am overflowing with gratitude, on the heels of the amazing fall color and leading up to my personal favorite holiday of all: Thanksgiving…
Storytelling
When I think back to my childhood and some of the stories I heard from my parents, I smile at the images that come to my mind. My favorite was one that my father told often about cooties and the spoon that found them. It was magical, and I always wondered how he knew to use such an amazing tool to identify the infected…
Boundaries in the Outdoors
One of the places that the children play is an open area of grass, with some large beautiful boulders, and an old hemlock tree. There are boundaries that the children learn and respect. They understand how they are helpers in that they do not venture into the well-manicured flower beds…
National Childhood Cancer Awareness
September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month...not a pretty topic what-so-ever. Yet it is one that is dear to my heart as a parent of a child who has been bravely fighting brain cancer for the past four years. My son Holmes was diagnosed right after he turned five years old, and ever since we were thrown onto this journey, we have been advocating for more awareness and more funds to help find better treatments and cures…
Water Water Everywhere
Living in a temperate rainforest comes with the good, the bad, and the sloppy. Grab some rain boots, a good book, or settle in for good times inside and out. Snuggling up at home, in your pajamas, with your family and pets is certainly one of the most enjoyable things that come with rainy weather…
February 2018 Classroom Updates
The Otters have had several parent guests come to share books and other talents this month. They enjoyed a trip to the local library for story time and a chance to practice their grace and courtesy out in the community. They also painted and decorated shoe boxes to hold their Valentines made for each other by classmates…
Cider and Conversation
I just love homemade apple cider. I mean, what’s not to love? It’s warm and sweet, it has all the spices that make you think of the holidays, and if you make it in a crockpot, the entire house smells like one enormous pie…
December 2017 Classroom Updates
The Otter class is enjoying new homemade play dough and dyed pasta, seashells, and caterpillars for metamorphosis viewing. They are working diligently on their grace and courtesy and respect for self and others. They have been working with tracing paper that they use to create pictures of images from books…
A Trip to Brevard
As an assistant teacher at Mountain Sun Community School, I have a very special job. I get to work in a multi-age classroom of three, four, five and six-year-olds—we call ourselves “the Otters.” My co-teacher Annie is spunky, fun, creative, optimistic, and enviously outgoing. Our classroom is our happy place, and the children who give that classroom life and energy help us remember how lucky we are to have a part in shaping their lives…
Mountain Sun Community School’s Chili Cook Off Benefits The Sharing House
Each year, Mountain Sun Community School hosts a Chili Cook Off and dance party, but this year on Saturday, February 25th the cook off took a new spin when parent and Mountain Sun Board Chair Dilshad Posnock heard about the Sharing House’s “Power Up” dinners…
Community in the Owl Class
When considering the Owl class, often the word community comes to mind. The children in their growing are not only learning about themselves as individuals but also about themselves as members of a community. They are very aware of one another and their surroundings…
Mountain Sun Teaches Art Of Peaceful Resolutions
"I feel sad when you told me that I couldn't play with you because I wanted to play with the blocks too," said a Mountain Sun Community School (MSCS) Owl student…