Downstairs: Transitions

As we enter the final six week stretch of the 2022-2023 school year, the Fungi Friends teachers have taken a moment to reflect on the time we have spent together as a class, as we simultaneously prepare to say good-bye and transition to new classes, roles, and even schools. With an emergent and nature-based curriculum that is responsive to children's developmental needs and interests, each year has its own flavor; while we touch on many of the same subjects, the projects and investigations reflect the children's observations, curiosities, and questions. Beyond the day-to-day curriculum, there is also our underlying social-emotional curriculum, where living and learning intersect to form the foundation of what children need to become active participants in their communities and the world at large. Looking back upon this year, we find as a common thread the themes trust and transformation.

At the beginning of the year, we focused our time and energy on building trust. We had many new-to-Randolph students and those students who were returning found themselves in very different circumstances than previous years with Covid restrictions. Through daily interactions, play opportunities, and structured activities, we developed a group identity as we truly became The Fungi Friends. We learned to listen to each other's ideas and questions, to care for each other, to play together collaboratively, and to truly show love to one another. Recently, as we sang "If I Had a Hammer," we got to the line, "I'd sing out love for all my brothers and my sisters" and got another opportunity to talk about what it means to love our fellow humans, both the ones we interact with daily and those beyond our Randolph community. We found parallels between the idea of love and the idea of respect, that everyone has a right to be who they are and to let others be who they are; everyone has a right to be loved for who they are, too. So, why is trust important in early childhood? Children who feel safe and secure are more willing to take risks and make mistakes as they learn and grow. Being bonded with the adults and children in their class allows them a "brave space" to venture out on their own as they build independence, while also have a safe landing spot and adult guidance if and when necessary. Children also build trust in themselves and in their own abilities, as they develop new competencies and increase their self-confidence. Identity formation is a critical piece of early childhood as children's stories of their own lives emerge and evolve. As relationships shift and communities change throughout the year, trust is an ever-present and ever-shifting piece of the puzzle, as we live and learn together.

As we build each child's portfolio for their report, we have the opportunity to see photographs and stories from throughout the year, starting with their very first days of school and continuing to the present day. It reminds us that progress is non-linear and that, through stepping back and taking the long view, children grow at their own pace. It can be like watching a seed grow - day to day, it seems like nothing is happening under the dirt, but then suddenly a sprout emerges. There is an unattributed saying, "change happens slowly, and then all at once." The potential is within each and every child, and each child has had a magical transformation this year, in different ways, as they have followed their own learning journey. The daily routines and rituals of our classroom, combined with the seasonal themes and special opportunities throughout the year, have provided the stage upon which the children have learned and grown. We notice transformation not just within ourselves, but in the world around us, as we are witness to the changing seasons. The flip side of transformation is transition, becoming comfortable with change and difference as we practice flexibility. We have strengthened our emotional muscles this year as we build resiliency and become more comfortable with the "not knowing," making space for change. As the end of our time together in this special community nears, we lean on these transformations in ourselves to guide the path forward. We will spend time both celebrating our work this year and looking forward to what's ahead!

In our final weeks together, we will have both celebratory and familiar events. We will launch our seed dispersal rockets, revel in Adventure Day activities, sing our favorite songs, and prioritize being together. We, the Fungi Friends teachers, feel privileged to have been part of this community of children and families and cannot wait to follow along for all the future adventures of the Fungi Friends! Please reach out and let us know if your family would like extra support as we navigate this end-of-year transition together.