At The Parkside School, we embraced the spirit of Lunar New Year with a special celebration hosted by the Parents Association, coordinated by Chris Horger and Sarah Carpenter. On January 29, students gathered to learn about the rich traditions and cultural significance of the holiday. Ms. Mejia, our DEIB Coordinator, shared the many ways families prepare for the New Year.
Read MoreIn yoga, some of the new routines children love include On the Train and Big Brown Bear. In the older classrooms, we are expanding students' anatomical understanding of how yoga and deep breathing affect our physiology. We explored images of the brain to see how using skills such as breathing, yoga, cold water, and relaxation activate our "upstairs brain" (the prefrontal cortex), helping to calm "downstairs brain" feelings when the amygdala is activated.
Read MoreIn December, students in Yoga and Dance classes celebrated the Winter Solstice and incorporated the theme of light into their movement activities. This has been a delightful way to engage minds and bodies while connecting to the rich, universal symbolism of light. Light represents hope, warmth, joy, and the sun's eventual return—common themes across various winter celebrations such as Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Year.
Read MoreOn November 21 and 22, The Parkside School hosted its 2024 Book Fair, kicking off the cherished tradition with a truly special guest: Al Roker. The beloved TV personality, celebrated author, and proud Parkside alumni parent joined us to help launch the event, bringing warmth, humor, and a touch of culinary inspiration to the celebration.
Read MoreThis month, our yoga and dance classes embraced the celebration of diverse cultures, honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, the festival of Diwali, and Halloween. Dance, as a universal language, served as a bridge connecting traditions, fostering understanding, and promoting inclusivity in a joyous way. Through music and movement, children had the opportunity to bring stories and teachings to life, embodying the narratives and movements associated with each celebration.
Read MoreAt Parkside, we are committed to fostering awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. By recognizing the historical and present-day experiences of Native American communities, we help students understand the importance of honoring and respecting diverse histories.
Read MoreWednesday evening's parent presentation on Woodin Math, hosted by Leslie Thorne and Audrey Eisenberg, provided an in-depth look at an innovative approach designed to develop strong number sense and numeracy skills in children, particularly those with language-based learning differences or dyscalculia.
Read MoreAt Parkside, the Arts and Movement department shines with a dynamic, individualized curriculum carefully designed to meet the goals, gifts, and energy of each student. Specialists in art, music, drama, movement, and yoga collaborate to craft programs that not only cater to each child’s unique abilities but also help them grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
Read MoreOne overlooked and perhaps misunderstood aspect of social work at Parkside concerns the experience of pleasure that derives from our relationships with children. Pleasure stems from feeling attached and connected to another person. There is pleasure in meeting the child’s needs and in watching a child flourish. There is pleasure in truly “seeing” another in a way that deepens connection. By “seeing,” we mean the capacity to reflect on a child’s safety, regulation, and openness to relationships. Children feel “seen” when they know we pay attention to their feelings, try to understand their actions, and promise to support them through thick and thin.
Read MoreThe Parkside School is excited to welcome back alumni parent and celebrated television personality Al Roker for an evening of engaging conversation, personal stories, and a celebration of his latest cookbook, "Al Roker’s Recipes to Live By." The event will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Parkside.
Read More“In our opinion, the price was reasonable for the drinks and cake pop because in New York, it is expensive. Other shops might be a little more expensive because of inflation.” A helpful Yelp review? Possibly! But this Starbucks review is the final stage of a project-based activity led by Speech Therapist Jamie Nussbaum.
Educators of America describe Project-Based Learning (PBL) as “more than just a teaching method. It is a revitalization of education for students so they can develop intellectually and emotionally.”
Read MoreIt has been a joy to do yoga, move, stretch, and dance with the children as we get back into the swing of things this school year. In Dance, offered once a week, we start class with our routine warm-up, which creates predictability and allows the children to build mastery. We often follow this with what we call “Flavor Walks” (movements across the floor), followed by reviewing and learning new steps to various songs.
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