Dear Nikki,
Thank you for taking us to check out Soulard, otherwise I probably would not have believed a “dream school” like this actually existed in St. Louis. It answers a lot of questions I had about classroom teaching and education.
First of all, their loose concept of grade really speaks to me. Grades are only for outsiders. They look at themselves as a community of leaners. And I am also excited to see it is not just an ideal, it actually works! Another thing that really stood out to me is the freedom that the teachers have. Teachers can be who they are, design the curriculum they want to, teach the way they like. On the other hand, they are also aware of common core and make sure students meet the standards. Teachers are the one who know the children in their classroom the best. They need to have the totally ownership of the way they teach. By visiting different classrooms, I can tell the teachers are given freedom and room to use their creativity in the classroom.
Thank you for taking us to check out Soulard, otherwise I probably would not have believed a “dream school” like this actually existed in St. Louis. It answers a lot of questions I had about classroom teaching and education.
First of all, their loose concept of grade really speaks to me. Grades are only for outsiders. They look at themselves as a community of leaners. And I am also excited to see it is not just an ideal, it actually works! Another thing that really stood out to me is the freedom that the teachers have. Teachers can be who they are, design the curriculum they want to, teach the way they like. On the other hand, they are also aware of common core and make sure students meet the standards. Teachers are the one who know the children in their classroom the best. They need to have the totally ownership of the way they teach. By visiting different classrooms, I can tell the teachers are given freedom and room to use their creativity in the classroom.
I also really appreciate the model they use to run the school. Students are from all different families. Parents pay the tuition based on their incomes. They are part of the community, so they need to show their commitment and contribution by volunteering.
I learned so much by visiting all the classrooms. All of the classrooms have animals, fish tanks, plants, and couches. In the kindergarten, I saw a loving teacher who constantly praised the kids, even when they make mistakes. In the 1st grade, I saw two teachers each teaching one small group. Everyday children have the choices to choose the activity they would like do. In the 2nd classroom, they were at the snack time and suddenly they started to tell me about how much they like Sushi. It wasn’t until later that I realized that they thought I am Japanese. That shows those kids are really aware of other people. When I asked about what they had just learned, a little girl came to the blackboard and gave me a full lesson on numbers. Other kids joined us and gave me a tour of the classroom. In the 3rd grade, it’s yet another type of classroom. It’s very clear that they are using Montessori methods. Students work on different projects with little instruction from the teacher. At first, it seemed like there is not much learning happening. Later, I noticed the children were singing joyfully and working on their own things patiently without distracting by us. I know there is something happening here. In the 4th and 5th grade, it looks more like a traditional classroom. Most of students sat in front of the blackboard, looking at the teacher drawing numbers and explaining common core math. There were three students working separately on the couches in the corner with another teacher. There is definitely differentiated instruction happening. I wonder if the intention of having a traditional classroom the last year they are at Soulard is to prepare them for leaving for public schools.
One of the most touching things was I saw a little boy standing on a stool and cooking with a huge pot. Family style lunch is such a special way to bring everyone together. Who doesn’t want a homemade meal for school lunch?
After visiting Soulard school, it made think that maybe the solution to education in US is not public school, not charter school, but community school—a place they can call home. “Teachers are like artists. They are designing and crafting art everyday. Once they find the right medium they can express them fully. They won’t let it go.” I guess we are all on this journey, searching for that right brush, clay or whatever will let us express Love and Truth.
Thank you for showing us the way. J
Much Love,
Jamie
9.24.15
Soulard School Website
http://www.soulardschool.org/
I learned so much by visiting all the classrooms. All of the classrooms have animals, fish tanks, plants, and couches. In the kindergarten, I saw a loving teacher who constantly praised the kids, even when they make mistakes. In the 1st grade, I saw two teachers each teaching one small group. Everyday children have the choices to choose the activity they would like do. In the 2nd classroom, they were at the snack time and suddenly they started to tell me about how much they like Sushi. It wasn’t until later that I realized that they thought I am Japanese. That shows those kids are really aware of other people. When I asked about what they had just learned, a little girl came to the blackboard and gave me a full lesson on numbers. Other kids joined us and gave me a tour of the classroom. In the 3rd grade, it’s yet another type of classroom. It’s very clear that they are using Montessori methods. Students work on different projects with little instruction from the teacher. At first, it seemed like there is not much learning happening. Later, I noticed the children were singing joyfully and working on their own things patiently without distracting by us. I know there is something happening here. In the 4th and 5th grade, it looks more like a traditional classroom. Most of students sat in front of the blackboard, looking at the teacher drawing numbers and explaining common core math. There were three students working separately on the couches in the corner with another teacher. There is definitely differentiated instruction happening. I wonder if the intention of having a traditional classroom the last year they are at Soulard is to prepare them for leaving for public schools.
One of the most touching things was I saw a little boy standing on a stool and cooking with a huge pot. Family style lunch is such a special way to bring everyone together. Who doesn’t want a homemade meal for school lunch?
After visiting Soulard school, it made think that maybe the solution to education in US is not public school, not charter school, but community school—a place they can call home. “Teachers are like artists. They are designing and crafting art everyday. Once they find the right medium they can express them fully. They won’t let it go.” I guess we are all on this journey, searching for that right brush, clay or whatever will let us express Love and Truth.
Thank you for showing us the way. J
Much Love,
Jamie
9.24.15
Soulard School Website
http://www.soulardschool.org/