​If you were to walk into our Kindergarten classroom, you will see our little ones interacting in a variety of different ways. You may hear them discussing project ideas, figuring out how to best play a game, sharing their thoughts or even giving each other a...

At PNA, our mission is to educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage, and integrity.  So much of that mission is achieved through the culture we create in our school and through project- based learning. Each day, students...

​Kindergarten is a year of tremendous growth in many different areas. It is the year where children become used to the routines of school, learn social skills involved in making new friends, and practice basic concepts of reading, writing, science and math.  As an...

"Play is the foundation of learning, creativity,self-expression,and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful." - Susan Linn Children are naturally engaged and curious when they study something they are interested in and...

This morning, to close out our kindergarten year together, we had a celebration.  We celebrated amazing growth, obstacles overcome, so much learning, fun with friends, and amazing memories made. At the end of each school year, I find myself thinking about what I could...

Since schools across the nation shifted to distance learning, I have heard educators wonder, "What if this is our chance to reimagine schools?"  It's no secret that many schools focus instruction on preparing for standardized tests and "covering" curriculum and...

The blog I wrote before break was about community.  As I reflect on distance learning, community seems to be a fitting topic yet again.  Community, namely being part of our lovely classroom community of learners and friends, is what our sweet little ones seem to be...

Creating the classroom community and culture is one of the most important aspects of teaching - and one of my favorites.  It is a privilege to share my days with my students, seeing the world through their eyes and creating a place in which each of them know they...

One of my favorite things about teaching kindergarten is watching our sweet little ones grow in their confidence and leadership skills and take more and more ownership of their learning.  While there is ample opportunity for this throughout the day, it often occurs...

It is important for learning and activities to be developmentally appropriate.  Usually, when they are, students are naturally engaged and learn effortlessly.  As educators, we often say, "Students are having so much fun, they don't even realize they're learning!" ...