A Reflective Teacher. . .

February 15, 2016May 3, 2016Leave a comment

• examines his or her own reactions to children or their actions to understand their source

• is curious about children’s play and watches it closely

• documents details of children’s conversations and activities

• takes time to study notes and photos to puzzle out what is significant

• eagerly shares stories about children’s learning with families and co-workers

• asks co-workers and children’s families for their insights

• reads professional literature to learn more

• shows children photos and stories of themselves to hear their views

• changes the environment and materials to encourage new play and learning possibilities

From: NAEYC.ORG/TYC

Spaces for Rent

February 8, 2016February 14, 2018Leave a comment

A recent inquiry from a day care parent about renting the gym on a weekend for a child’s birthday party, sparked discussion with the church leadership about rental possibilities of both the gym and the roof.

In mid-December, the Tennessee Association for the Education of Young Children hosted a mixer on the roof to attract Millennial early childhood educators to the association. TAEYC is committed to bringing young leaders into the fold and a rooftop party seemed a good way to bring folks together. The event was at night and the roof was alive with lights, fire pits (for marshmallow roasting), a band, and hot chocolate stations (it was chilly). It was a stunning event and our rooftop proved to be a magical space at night. The church is open to the possibility of renting the roof for outside gatherings as long as they are alcohol-free and terms are met regarding set up and clean up.

Additionally, the gym is available as a gathering space. Although the Nashville Sports Leagues have contracted most evenings and some weekends, with scheduling, the space may be available.

Understandably, there are restrictions (especially parking) with the use of our building, but McKendree would love to offer an affordable option for downtown event space from time to time. There would be cost involved but the rental fees would be considerably less than most downtown venues. If you would like to discuss this further, please let Cindy Ligon know.

SECA

February 1, 2016May 3, 2016Leave a comment

Cindy Ligon is going to Tulsa, OK this month to attend, and present workshops at the Southern Early Childhood Association Conference. More importantly, she is also going to accept The 2016 Exemplary Outdoor Classroom Award for the center’s AMAZING rooftop garden and play space! This is such a proud and exciting moment for our McKendree family. All the hard work creating this magical outdoor space for our children is being recognized across the Southern part of the country. Kudos to everyone who had a hand in the development of the roof space!

In addition to the prize we received as winners (the “rockband” drum station which is already installed on the roof), we will receive a plaque which will proudly be displayed in the hallway leading to the roof.

The 2016 Roof Team – Anthony Creasy, Cynthia Rodgers, Katy Dennis, and Betty Witt will be making gardening plans soon. In only a few months it will be planting time! If you would like to lend your expertise in gardening, landscape design, etc., or are simply willing to roll up your sleeves and help us prepare for a wonderful crop (and consequently fantastic science experiences for the children) please let someone from this team know.

Building Facelift

January 25, 2016May 4, 2016Leave a comment

building facelift If you haven’t had a chance to see the new floors in the preschool hallway and in the Inventors Class, please take a look. This is phase one of a three step phase of replacing the old, tired carpet and tile with vinyl plank flooring. We hope to complete all of the back rooms by June! Additionally, we have added a gallery to the hallway on the 5th floor leading to the roof. Plexiglas frames offer us a spot to showcase some beautiful photos of your children playing on the roof. The snow pics currently posted are amazing – it is hard to remember that two short weeks ago we had eight inches of snow on the roof. We intentionally displayed the photos at the children’s eye level. This allows them a chance to “revisit” their play. They LOVE the snow photos!

Developmental Deep Dives

January 18, 2016May 4, 2016Leave a comment

In late January, parents of children who are four and up will receive a general overview of development for their child. Typically, we offer a more detailed assessment in early summer that is full of stories, photos, videos and other “authentic” glimpse into each child’s McKendree experience. This “deep dive” is more of a developmental checklist created to reflect a child’s skill-based development. Parents of children who are kindergarten-bound have asked for a mid-year opinion of readiness.