Plano School : The Grove School: A seriously fresh new preschool in Cary and Plano!

Outdoors as a Tool for Learning

Wendy DeSpain | June 7, 2010 | Comment

During our recent family car trip to Colorado for camping, hiking, and fishing, I was struck at how many things my kids commented on due to learning taking place at school. I was further struck by the depth of conversation we were able to have. Connecting school learning to real life experiences was remarkable in helping my kids take their learning to a new level. They were able to synthesize information, evaluate it, and create further questions.

While fishing for rainbow trout with salmon eggs, the kids noted the life cycle of fish as they had learned in school and our conversation evolved into wildlife management and ethics of fishing: why we catch and release sometimes and eat what we catch other times, how the limit of fish to be caught in a day is determined, and why we need a license.
While hiking, the kids observed cloud formations they had learned in school and our conversation soon became one about severe weather in the wilderness and how we survive when it occurs.
While driving through west Texas, the kids first saw 18-wheelers carrying pieces of a blade used on a wind turbine to collect wind energy, and then they saw many windmills in action. They had learned about wind as an energy source in school and seen pictures of the wind mills, but now they saw them first hand and could conceptualize better the enormity of the structures, the benefits of it, and its implications.
While exploring, we discovered some old gold and silver mines as well as the log houses that people lived in during the late 1800′s and early 1900′s. This spurred a whole conversation about covered wagons, traveling during that time period, and surviving in this climate without modern day resources.
While hiking, we saw many wild flowers and trees. The kids noted life cycles and seeds. We then talked about how seeds travel and collected samples for identification when we got back to camp with our Plant, Flower, and Tree ID books. The logging that was observed up there instigated questions about the management of trees: why clear cutting is done, why controlled burns are administered, and how we can best care for trees to reduce injury to them.
While building camp fires each night, the kids learned about the process involved, the patience required, and the responsibility necessary. Since it was below freezing most nights, they also learned an appreciation for fire as a heat source and vital component to life.
These are only some examples of the conversations that took place amongst my family of five as we explored the wilderness for a week. The facts they’ve learned in preschool and kindergarten were brought to life through dialogue and first hand experiences. While we create many authentic experiences for kids at The Grove School, the family connection and the enhanced experiences only further solidified their knowledge.

So moral to the story: Do not pass up an opportunity to take a family vacation. Not only is it strong for relationship building, but also it is ideal for learning. Despite the hours of preparation, the patience needed during long car rides, and the opportunity cost of missing work and school, the experience was unforgettable. I am proud that I gave my kids the opportunity to make connections, to have new experiences, and to utilize upper level thinking skills. Even if its a 30 minute walk down the street instead of 6 days in rural Colorado, the experience outdoors enhances cognition in a way that an indor vacation could not have, and you know what else? Not one eletronic device was accessed by any family member during the week away. The kids (and adults) CAN make it without ipods, tvs, video games, and computers.

Wendy is our Head of School in Plano, TX. She has deep community ties, having spent 15 years with the Plano ISD in various teaching, administrative and leadership roles. In addition to her zeal for helping children learn, Wendy enjoys being in the great outdoors with her family.

Best Fire Starters Ever – homemade & recycleable too!

Wendy DeSpain | June 7, 2010 | Comment

When my husband and I first camped in rural Colorado during the Memorial Day weekend, we were unprepared. We showed up to 6 inches of snow the first day, and it didn’t stop for the 6 days we were there. If we hadn’t had the life and heat given by fire, we would have left after only 1 day. But my mother gave us fire starters that she made, and they SAVED us! They caught anything on fire; they even helped wet and freezing logs to burn for our warmth. We quickly learned that choosing to camp on the Continental Divide in May could show you the beauty of spring in the mountains or give you a sneak peek to the harshness and unpredictability of winter there. Since then, we have made them ourselves and used them whenever needed. They are incredible, and you’ll love the ingredients – all household items you’d usually recycle or throw away!
Here is the recipe:
- empty cardboard egg carton
- leftover candles that are too small to burn anymore
- dryer lint
1. Melt left over candles.
2. Pour into cardboard egg carton. Note: Put something beneath your egg carton, like an old cookie sheet or newspapers, smal amounts of wax could seep through the cardboard.
3. Stuff each “egg” with as much dryer lint as you can.
4. Allow to cool.
5. Rip off one “egg” whenever you need to start a fire! I’ll admit when we were in 12 inches of snow, I had to use two of them!
These are the best fire starters I have ever used and they use standard household items for which you may be looking for a use!
Enjoy & stay warm!

Pre-Kindergarten Pictures

Wendy DeSpain | April 6, 2010 | Comment

Photos of curriculum implementation of thematic units through the dramatic play center in pre-kindergarten are now ready for viewing! Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegroveschool/sets/72157623665456093/

Preschool Pictures!

Wendy DeSpain | April 6, 2010 | Comment

Just uploaded some pictures of Dramatic Play center in our Preschool room. Ms. Opal and her students do an awesome job of bringing the curricular theme alive in the classroom through creative and elaborate materials in dramtic play. Check out pictures of the airplane for transportation and the flower shop for flowers and plants. Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thegroveschool/sets/72157623789387000/

Note from Opal Coleman, PS Master Teacher

Wendy DeSpain | April 6, 2010 | Comment

Things are growing at The Grove School of Plano! Plants are in the ground and coming up; we are looking forward to tasting and harvesting our crops. My classroom, room 1, has a beautiful flower shop in it as a part of the unit on Plants. The children are buying and selling flowers for thier parents and friends.

Stop in and see us sometime!

Note from Sara Dennis, PK Master Teacher

Anne Saunders | April 6, 2010 | Comment

Happy Spring Time!!!!

I just love the spring, with all of the trees blooming and planting flowers and gardens. All of our planter beds have been planted and the seeds are beginning to sprout. Everyday is exciting to see how the seedlings have changed overnight. Some seedlings are growing taller while others are adding new leaves. The potatoes are growing huge, and it’s almost time to add more dirt on top of the leaves. Everyone can not wait to see what the plants look like full grown and eat the yummy vegetables!

Sincerely,

Sara

Anne is our chief marketing officer. A former senior VP at Bank of America and Starbucks, she drives all marketing, communications and digital activities. She's also the mother of 2 children.

Early Preschool Update from Ms. Kathryn

Wendy DeSpain | April 5, 2010 | Comment

I am very excited about our classroom. Early Preschool is focusing on all things Earth this month. Each learning center reflects this theme. My favorite center is sort of a surprise to me. We traded out the wooden blocks for brown paper bag blocks. These large, light-weight blocks are so fun for the kids to experiment with. It is fun to watch the kids work together to make things. The most interesting so far – a snowman!

Planting in Plano

Wendy DeSpain | March 30, 2010 | Comment

Following are some videos, two showing the planting process and the other one shows some early results. Enjoy!

What’s up at The Grove School of Plano?

Wendy DeSpain | March 3, 2010 | Comment

Early Preschool is learning about the sky and going on picnics while using children’s literature as an anchor. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten are discovering different methods of transportation while focusing on the letter of the week and building vocabulary through experiences and literature.

Also, all classrooms are busily planting! It is time to get our onions, radishes, lettuce, basil, peppers, okra, tomatoes, and flowers as well as lima beans, snap peas, corn, pumpkins, squash, beets, oregano, dill parsley, leeks, cilantro, and carrots in the ground! We’ll be moving some from the greenhouse to the planting beds soon too!

Here’s a video of our recent planting activity:

Keywords: curriculum, Grove School, organic gardening, Plano, planting

Plano grand opening: fun for kids, too!

Wendy DeSpain | February 19, 2010 | Comment (1)

From 3:45-6 p.m. on WED, 2/24, we have an exciting line up of activities for children. These activities are brought to you by the many supportive businesses and organizations in our area.

Plano Grand Opening Kids’ Activities

• Put red worms to work with the City of Plano Yardwise crew
• Jump, twist and shout with Kidokinetics and Stretch n Grow
• Kick and downward dog through martial arts and yoga demonstrations
• Decorate pots with Quiggly’s Clayhouse
• Learn to count in Spanish
• Create a masterpiece with the Dallas Museum of Art

If you’re looking for something to do with your kids, curious about our school or want to meet new parents in the area, this is a perfect time to stop by!