Showing What We Know

It is an integral part of Parker’s philosophy that children learn best when they create meaningful work for an authentic audience. Whether it is a 4-year-old, eager to share their year-long development of self-portrait skills, or an 8th grader defending their carefully researched and formulated position on a social issue of consequence for their thesis – true leadership emerges when deep learning is paired with the sense that it matters.

This past month, we’ve been treated to exuberant examples of this learning on display as our PreK and Lower School classes presented Shows of Work for their families. Students in PreK enthusiastically shared samples of creative writing (at these young ages this often takes the form of narration, which is then transcribed by a teacher), artwork, and projects that resulted from their various emergent curriculums.

Our Kindergarten and 1-2 classes showcased their months-long pond study, sharing interdisciplinary work that enhanced and extended the research and observations they undertook in the classroom. The release of the tadpoles they hatched and raised in their classroom into our pond, where they will continue to grow as part of our animal community, was a highlight for both students and families alike. Students also exhibited work from their studies of birding (Kindergarten), story-telling (Erika’s 1-2s), and poetry (Debbie’s 1-2s).

At the 3-4 grade level, Nari’s class took us on an immersive undersea experience inspired by their study of Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly. Students composed poetry, studied sound waves and language, wrote creative stories, and even constructed a stunning paper mache whale. Rose’s 3-4 class, meanwhile, shared engaging gallery presentations based upon months of research into a topic of interest that fit their theme: “Past, Present, Future: Changes Over Time.” Topics studied included National Parks, aviation, broadcast news, nutrition, and farming.

Projects like those on display this week are the building blocks that leverage student interests and passions to scaffold their skills towards a final, signature 8th grade experience – the 8th Grade Thesis. The thesis project builds upon our students’ years of experience cultivating curiosity-inspired hypotheses, interest-based research, and evidence-based critical thinking skills. On May 21st & 22nd, our 8th graders bravely shared their voices advocating for research-based changes to social issues that hold personal interest for them. Topics included De-Extinction, Poverty and Governmental Interventions, The American Dream and Achievement Pressure, and Social Media and the Film Industry. Our 8th graders presented with pride and confidence, gaining skills they will undoubtedly take with them into their lives beyond Parker. Whether it is showing your parents the tadpoles you helped raise or educating a wider audience of community members about your position on a cause, the true value of sharing knowledge is always evident on the radiantly proud faces of our students. Shows of Work build confidence in speaking and self-worth. Sharing their knowledge and work gives students the opportunity to realize how much they know and have accomplished. Doing so in the presence of other families and administrators builds an intimate sense of community and support. The whole experience is a testament to a school culture that values belonging, independence, and growth. It is beautiful to experience.

FIELD DAY!!!

The fields of Parker are quite frequently filled with joy. Whether it’s our middle school intensely locked in an Ultimate Frisbee battle, our lower school gleefully engaged with their buddies, our PreK chasing bubbles and butterflies, or our youngest Forest Toddlers cheerfully joining in song and community – Parker’s fields have enjoyed more than just a few days in the sun. Yesterday, however, was the pinnacle of celebrations, as we shared one of our most beloved annual events, Parker Field Day. Field Day is a ritual, year-end celebration here at Parker that brings our entire student body and faculty together for collaborative and playfully competitive games and activities. Students are divided into mixed-grade teams and assigned a team color. Together, the teams work together to complete a scavenger hunt, relay races, and a water balloon fight. After lunch, we enjoyed a delicious ice cream social (thank you to our parent volunteer scoopers!) and gathered as a school to honor our beloved Lynn Afterwards everyone enjoyed watching the 8th grade launch their rockets, followed by a cutthroat game of 8th grade vs. faculty kickball (faculty won!!!)  Finally, we closed our day rocking out together with our 8th grade Battle of the Bands.