Connecting the Class to the Stars
This will be a walk through the wild and wonderful world of the Acorn classroom. We start on a Monday morning, it is cold so you are wearing your extra layers; a coat, mittens, that wool hat with a big ball on the top and last but not least a scarf that is longer than you are tall…
Choice
Often we think that being a role model to children is showing a spectacular example of how a human is successful, confident, and driven. I disagree. In fact, the best instructors that I ever worked with in wilderness therapy were the ones who were outspoken about their mistakes and making amends…
April 2019 Classroom Updates
The Owls and Otters are deep into their studies of Thailand. The children have taken an imaginary flight to Thailand and are learning about the culture, art, food, and climate. Carol and Virginia Watkins (Sebastian's grandmother and mom) visited to talk about their trip to Thailand and shared stories, pictures, and souvenirs…
Boundaries
When working with the Acorn age group (6-9 years old), their need to find their boundaries is clear. They are, once again, newly awakening to the world around them. Yes, they have seen it and been a part of it for quite a while by this time. However, they are coming to a new understanding: becoming aware of being a part of the whole rather than the reason for the whole…
Another Camping Trip?
When I looked at my calendar as February turned to March, this question popped in my mind as I saw our next camping trip approaching. You see, camping trips are a lot of work for us teachers. So when it’s about a month (or more!) out from a trip, it’s time to start preparing…
February 2019 Class Updates
The Owls and Otters are really enjoying their studies of China. They are fascinated by Chinese letter characters, languages, stories, and customs. Last week they celebrated the Chinese New Year by dressing in traditional colors of red and yellow and inviting parents to come and enjoy tea and snacks followed by a parade with dragons and drums…
Compassionate Community
"Many things are true at once," is something I keep hearing. I was speaking to a friend last night and reflecting on how, for our kiddos, that can feel a little confusing. In the Acorn class, we do our morning check-ins as a group…
2019 Faces of Freedom
The Faces of Freedom Art show is currently on display at the Transylvania Community Arts Council. This is the fifth year of the Art show and it is Mountain Sun Community School’s 5th year participating. The Faces of Freedom Art show was created by former MSCS parent Nicola Karesh…
January 2019 Classroom Updates
The Owls and Otters are moving into their studies of Asia. The teachers have decided that both classes will first study China and then move on to Thailand. This week they will have a guest speaker, Kert Peterson, who will speak to the classes about Taekwondo…
Initiatives and Offering Individuals Choice
Each of us has patterns of behavior, which we label as habits, routines, or instincts. These behaviors sometimes are known, but often our most detrimental behaviors remain elusive. This elusiveness is due to the design of our brain…
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…
December Classroom Updates
The two younger classes have had parent and teacher conferences. Both classes are taking opportunities to go out and about with trips to the Library, Care Partners, and Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education…
The Process of Creating
Sitting on the shelf behind my desk in the art room is a box of crayons. This is not just any box of crayons. It is a very, very old box of 64 Crayola crayons with the sharpener built in the back. I keep this box of crayons out where I can see it every day as a reminder of my childhood, where my love of art began…
Thoughts from the Front of the Boat
We all have control issues. For some of us, it’s right there on the surface. For others, there’s a slighter, more subconscious element about it. But it’s there. This need is why get a little twitchy when the dishwasher’s not loaded right. It’s why we want the dollar bills facing the same direction and our toilet paper roll to be hung the absolutely correct way…
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…