Kindergarten at Fayerweather Street School
May 30th, 2008 by keegan
On the way home from school yesterday, I asked Tiernan what she liked most about her class. “My teachers,” she said. “Because they are so nice.” For a kindergartener, I could think of nothing more important.
My daughter attends Fayerweather Street School. Her teachers, Meg and Kate are not only “so nice”, they are creative, fun, and thoughtful with every element of their classroom. Walking into Meg and Kate’s room is like walking into a child’s room that they have put together themselves: cozy, familiar, and magical. There are two lofts (with a pully going between them, through which children can send notes and messages to each other), the dress up area, and the writing area (cozily tucked under the lofts). But there is more: the take-it-apart area of the room, where children are free to dissect old fax machines and radios; the live area where Pickle, the class pet turtle lives among all the planted bulbs, vegetables, and snails; and the art area, where there is everything from paints to knitting tools and beads and glue for the children to explore. Of course, they have a curriculum, but it is based on fun and interesting projects, many of which Tiernan comes home wanting to “practice” more.
When I look around the room, there are photos of the children working on projects, holding hands, playing, and comforting each other. The children’s writing and art projects decorate the walls of the classroom and the walls of the school halls. They get to see their work displayed everywhere, and they love it.
But, as my daughter said, it is really the teachers that make the class. Meg and Kate take the time to really get to know, build trust, and create a real relationship with each child. When I pick Tiernan up at the end of the day, one or both of the teachers relays some story about Tiernan in how she played, or how she reacted, or what she talked about that day. If they notice that she is acting a little off, they will ask me about what else is happening in her life. Tiernan knows that Meg and Kate are her teachers because “they know everything”, but she thinks of them as trusted friends who look out for her, play with her, and celebrate with her.
Meg and Kate treat the children with respect and kindness; and the children reflect it back to them. In my opinion, one of the most important things a teacher, or any caregiver, can do for a young child is to build their self confidence by encouraging them to explore all that they are and all they can do, and then celebrating that with them; this is what Tiernan has found in this classroom.
We are moving this summer and so, sadly, will not be staying at Fayerweather. But I know that wherever she goes on to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, grades and up, Meg and Kate have provided her with a strong foundation, and magical memories that will stay with Tiernan. (Besides, Meg promises to meet up with us for coffee and cake in Northampton!)
For anyone who is looking into Kindergarten for this coming year, I would very highly recommend Meg and Kate’s class at Fayerweather. It has met and exceeded all of our expectations.
