WONDER SCHOOL

At Wonder School, the laboratory preschool collaboration with Columbus State Community College, Columbus Museum of Art, and The Childhood League Center, we began the 2019–20 school year thinking about community. To say that the world has changed since then is a complete understatement, but at Wonder School, we are still thinking deeply about community, both inside and outside of our classroom, and especially how to take care of each other.

After the initial flurry of closures, we reached out to families with two simple questions, “How are you, and how can we support you?” Overwhelmingly, families shared that while many were safe and physically well, everyone (kids and grown-ups) was missing daily connections and opportunities to keep in touch. To this end, the WS team is focusing on ways to keep connections strong—between us and children but especially between families. We created a private, shared photo album where families can show what they’re up to, and comment on each other’s pictures. Through it, we’ve all gotten to see treasures found in nature, learned new yoga poses, and gotten to know Debbie the Dog (who looks smashing in a birthday hat). We’ve also started a pen pal program for those who are interested, and began weekly, virtual “morning circles.” If you think your most recent remote meeting felt a bit scattered, it’s nothing to the beautiful chaos of video conferencing with 8 to 15 preschoolers!

As we all settle into new routines, we’re also trying to think together about how to continue investigations started earlier in the year. Our mission is “. . . to foster purposeful play, critical inquiry, and a collaborative community approach to education . . . for a more creative and compassionate society.” Throughout the year, we’ve woven “traditional” academic subjects (literacy, numeracy, writing skills, etc.) together with curiosity and wonder and a desire to create a kinder and more just world. Currently, we’re encouraging families to find wonder in the natural world, and sharing opportunities with families like writing letters and making cards to send to healthcare workers, grocery store clerks, and janitorial staff who keep the world well and fed and cleaned.

But perhaps the most important work we’ve done has been the simplest—reaching out, checking in, and keeping in touch with the grown-ups who are now in charge of navigating new normal, even as they manage their own stress and anxiety. From scheduling conferences for those who want them to sending quick emails filled with silly memes, our message to families is: We can’t be together, but you are not alone.