The Studio CHRIS

In The Studio, students came up with ideas and plans for a new playground structure and playground area on the Euclid Yard. This was a very exciting and engaging project, as students were inspired to use their imaginations to create incredible playground designs for everybody in our community to see and enjoy.

Creating inviting playgrounds for kids and young adults of all abilities was our primary goal for this project. We were inspired by The Harper’s Playground model which are “radically inclusive through three levels of inviting.” The first level is: Physically Inviting. We asked, “Is the playground design accessible? Can everybody can get everywhere and to everything?” Adaptability means everything in the structure is designed to suit different conditions or needs. Then we considered the second level: Socially inviting. “Are the materials natural? Are there open, communal spaces that allow kids to gather, connect and share?” Last we considered the third level: Emotionally inviting. “Is the playground thoughtfully designed with art and music elements?”

With these goals in mind, our students had a voice and platform to express their vision. They created and drew plans, collaborated on their ideas, and brought their visions to life on paper.

Students are excited to share their thoughts, ideas, and plans with our school administrators before the new construction begins.

Play is a very important piece of the educational program at PS1. It’s how we learn and grow. Play strengthens our bodies and minds. It teaches us how to communicate and even solve problems. Play builds self-esteem and confidence. It helps us develop the skills we need throughout life. In The Studio, we are inspired to create incredible student-driven playground designs for everybody in your community to see.

Music VIRGINIA

This spring the Youngers Cluster studied The Blues. They worked hard to write a song for Moving Up Day that has been titled MUD Blues. Students also learned the repertoire of songs that we sing around the campfire on our annual camping trip. These songs include Down By The Bay, Three Little Birds, 2nd Story Window, The Lion Sleeps Tonight and many more.

The Bridge Cluster crafted recycled instruments for their Cluster Circle Time, which focused on the Landfill Harmonic, Stomp, and environmental Artivism. They made drums from coffee cans, maracas from Easter eggs, and tambourines from ribbons and metal scraps. Students also choreographed original movements to the song Youth Climate Anthem - Long Forgotten Road.

The Middles Cluster prepared for their own Cluster Circle Time, which featured ukulele, recorder, xylophone and vocals. The Violet Class prepared the cannon Round and Round the Earth is Turning while the Indigo Class presented the partner song Yonder Come Day, based on the traditional Georgia sea island spiritual.

The Olders Cluster practiced for their performance of A Midsummer’s Night Dream with acting games, vocal improvisation, one act plays, and movement exploration. Students also wrote an original environmental anthem using ukulele, recorder, xylophones, guitar and voice to share during their Cluster Circle Time. Their Circle Time demonstrated the music technology software they have been using, and a montage of the environmental music videos they created in the beginning of 2023.