The Evolution of
When Brooklyn Friends School transitioned to Virtual BFS during the week of March 9th, our community had no idea what was in store for the remainder of the school year. Could major curricular capstones and traditions continue? Could we still connect as our beloved BFS community? We soon found that the answer to these questions was a resounding “yes!”. Here are just a few examples of how the colleagues and students of BFS continued to learn and engage during Virtual BFS.
Family Center
One way that the Family Center students and teachers stayed connected and continued learning and growing during Virtual BFS was through music! Singing and music were always present in the physical classroom, and teachers incorporated singing virtually every day. Dance parties were always popular and they also played “Name That Tune”. But what about instrumental music and accompaniment? Teachers found different ways for the children to continue being musical remotely. They “played” instruments they had at home, and also made their own. With simple household supplies—toilet paper rolls, wax paper, rubber bands or hair ties, tape and dry rice/beans, small plastic containers with lids—they created an orchestra. The children moved their bodies and made lots of music together. Joyful! PHOTO ABOVE A Family Center student
enjoys a sing with Tony Soll.
14 Brooklyn Friends School Journal Fall 2020
Preschool
Blue Room Butterfly Week
As spring blossomed outside our windows in May, the Blue Room threes students enjoyed a springy Butterfly Week at Virtual BFS! Their study of the lifecycle of the butterfly included music, songs, books, a scavenger hunt, and hands-on activities. By the end of the week, the Blue Room students were butterfly experts, ready to spread their wings and fly!
Green Room Fairy Tales Study
The Green Room fours students enjoyed an in depth study of fairy tales and folktales during Virtual BFS. They learned what makes fairy tales unique, including their story structures, literary elements, and characters, by reading many stories, making castles, creating characters, and story acting. They also tried out making potions, magic wands, and porridge!
PHOTOS CLOCKWISE FROM TOP 1 Blue Room teachers Camille
Fobbs, Jazelyn Montanez, and Linda Villamarin kicked off Butterfly Week in a message to their students. 2 Jackie Oritz demonstrated how to build a castle out of household items including toilet paper rolls. 3 Lisa Ventry showed how to create your own puppet theater to tell the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff.
