It was so fun to imagine a giant castle together... and then bring that castle to life.  How do you build a life-size castle with five- and six- year olds?  First, each student designed their dream castle.  Then, as a class, we took the parts of each castle that we...

Collaboration is defined as the action of working with someone to create or produce something.  Recently, our kindergartners had the opportunity to collaborate on a few projects.  At this point in the year, after much practice throughout the year, most students do...

At first I thought I was crazy to have scheduled a field trip during the height of auction prep.  However, it ended up being the perfect breath of fresh air amongst a busy season - and a perfect reminder of why we are investing so much time and energy in the auction...

I am enjoying all of the sweet moments with our little ones as this year draws to a close.  As I watched them share their recycling project with EK this week, I couldn't help but reflect on how much they've grown this year.  At closing circle that day, a few students...

Morning Meeting is a short and simple part of the day, but also a powerful and meaningful part of the day.  It provides students with an opportunity to be heard and to build a positive classroom culture each day, all while having fun and interacting with peers in both...

As I watched our youngest learners perform Little Prince this week, I couldn't help but reflect on one of the story's messages. "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the...

I am a firm believer that learning in and of itself is engaging.  In fact, that is one of the reasons I chose to continue my teaching career at PNA.  I love that the style of teaching we do capitalizes on children's natural curiosity, that we engage them in meaningful...

One of the great things about our combined classroom is how easy it makes collaborations between the two classes.  Recently, kindergarten and first grade paired together to plan and execute this year's PNA Iditarod.  Our kindergarten mushers had a lot of fun preparing...

As we prepared for conferences this week, each student chose something of which they were proud, something at which they wanted to get better, and something at which they had already gotten better.  I refer to these as a smile and a wish when I first introduce...

This week, we challenged the PNA community to articulate what they love about PNA.  I became a teacher because I value learning for learning's sake, because reading opens up entire worlds to us, because our world is full of interesting things to be explored and...