From the Classroom to the Community: A Year of Discovery

This year, Classroom 5 has embarked on an exploration of the WMS community. While every year brings new learners, community members, curriculum, and interests, one consistent theme the teachers continue to notice this year is the learners' natural curiosity about the world beyond the classroom. Their questions such as "Who is that?" when they spot a friendly face at the front desk, "What’s their name?" when they see someone in the hallway, or “Who’s Mommy is that?” reflect their growing interest in understanding the broader school community. These simple inquiries lay the groundwork for a deeper exploration of the people who enrich their daily lives and also provide an opportunity to nurture both language and social-emotional development.

The connections formed within the classroom often serve as the first introduction to the concept of community for our young learners. By sharing each others’ Me-Books and inviting family members to read and assist with projects, the children begin to expand their awareness beyond the classroom. Observing other learners in the hallways, the lab room, gym, and art studio plays a crucial role in recognizing the broader school community. The children often ask, “Who is that person cleaning the bathroom?” or “Who is the adult who came to give the teachers a message?” These questions signal an expanding understanding of the diverse roles that contribute to the functioning of our school. Learning about community members outside of the classroom is also a great way to teach the concept of Embracing People, part 2 of our 4-part Anti-Bias Anti Racist framework. To honor the learners' curiosity, Classroom 5 decided to further engage with the Washington Market School community by inviting its members to share their roles and contributions. 

Douglas, our security agent, is a familiar face to the children as they enter and leave school each day. They were eager to learn more about his role, and he shared how he helps keep the school safe, along with some interesting facts about his life outside of school. Jaya, the Duane Street Front Desk Coordinator, explained her important job, including pressing the alarm during fire drills (and quickly turning it off!) and managing communications with parents. The learners were fascinated to learn that Jaya also knows some of their siblings who attend WMS.

Brooke, the WMS Communications Manager, who is often seen capturing moments around the school, joined us with her camera. She explained how she uses her photos to keep families connected through newsletters and social media posts. Margarita, a cleaner, shared about her role and a bit about her family, prompting the learners to ask about the names and ages of her children, as well as her favorite color.

Learning about the roles of faculty members and parents deepens the children’s understanding of how the people in our school community collaborate to help the school thrive. But beyond their roles, the learners were curious about who these individuals are outside of school. For example, Jaya shared her favorite book, Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold, which she enjoys reading with her son. They also used some of the Spanish they have learned with Nichelle, blending both English and Spanish in conversations with teachers and visitors. One notable exchange demonstrated their growing language skills as they seamlessly integrated both languages, reflecting their increasing cultural appreciation and communication confidence.

Learning about others plays a key role in social-emotional growth, particularly as learners begin to navigate and engage with their community. As they participate in conversations and collaborative activities, they develop empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation and increase their language skills. Learning about their community through stories, cultural practices, and projects enriches their social understanding and fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility. Developing these skills serves as a bridge not only for communication but also for connection, conflict resolution, and contributing to the well-being of the social environment. This development of both social-emotional skills and language skills empowers learners to approach the world with greater confidence and compassion.

Engaging with the people of our Washington Market School community means more than simply learning names and roles. Each person the learners meet becomes a part of the story of our school, leaving a lasting impact on their hearts. By exploring the diverse roles and personal stories within our community, the learners expand their knowledge, nurture empathy, and develop a deeper appreciation for diversity. This journey helps them cultivate a strong sense of belonging. As we honor each person’s uniqueness, we weave a tapestry of connections, each thread strengthening the fabric of our school community.