Step Right Into the Starfish Classroom

Looking for Some Creativity, Adventure and Inspiration?

	Since German pedagogue Friedrich Froebel first introduced the concept of kindergarten, Maria Montessori and other modern-day child development experts, all agree: the work of the child is play. So when Miss Patrice and Miss Mai (as the children address them) describe their day in the classroom as "getting paid to play," don't be fooled.  Behind every moment of playtime and fun is careful thought and planning to set the stage for the children's learning experience.
	Enjoying some fresh air on the benches outside the classroom, Miss Patrice works with the children on their sight words
	Working at the computer station
	What began as a simple block structure evolved into Dinosaur World, spurring other dinosaur-related activities, including an experiment using coca powder to create meteorites
	A little work on writing skills
	Playing in the sunshine

This year's Kindergarten class has 32 children. Working together for 9 years as co-heads of the Starfish classroom, teachers Patrice Clark and Mai Tran skillfully guide the children  through a wide range of experiences designed to help them discover how things work, explore new ideas, use their imagination, solve problems and learn to cooperate with others.

“Teachers Mai and Patrice talk about how the children inspire them. When asked about goals, Mai put it very eloquently, 'We want our children to reach the stars and beyond.'”

Mai and Patrice employ a project-based approach in the classroom. They present an open-ended idea and the children define it as they work with it. If something energizes the children, Mai and Patrice develop it further. In this way, the children are constantly engaged, helping direct the curriculum as they go. This creative, open-ended approach helps build problem solving skills, social skills, language skills and physical skills.

The Starfish teachers believe in teaching with humor, warmth and love. They also strive to excite the children about learning, as this age group is very thirsty for knowledge and can absorb a great deal. The teachers strongly encourage the children to use their imaginations, and pay particular attention to those who are a bit shy, helping them to expand their social skills and use their voice. Those not so shy often provide some role modeling for their classmates, as the children learn from each other.

The children are exposed to a wide variety of content. Classroom bulletin boards draw attention with bright colors and attractive shapes, and different stations are set up throughout the classroom, which evolve and change as the children refine and complete their exploration. Teachers guide the children through the stations, with the goal of mastering each one.

There's never a dull moment in the Starfish day. The children work on their projects in the classroom, do 3D and flat art, sing, work on the computer, have two outdoor play times (or indoor gym if the weather doesn't cooperate), enjoy three meals a day and take time out for a nap. On a visit to the Starfish classroom, you might be treated to a puppet show, Talent Tuesday, Mismatched Shoe Day or Pajama Day.