From the Desk of Allison Isbell

For those who don’t know, I grew up in Arkansas . . . always an interesting point of conversation when this comes up in my NYC communities. As a child, and female-identifying, I learned quickly that my expected role was to avoid conflict, to attend to the feelings of others, and definitely not to ask questions or have an opinion. There is a lot to unpack in the experience of growing up in this culture, but what is primary in my mind and heart today, is the lack of opportunity to engage in, and to build my skills for engaging in meaningful discourse.

Our children at LREI are so very fortunate in this regard. One of the central beliefs of progressive pedagogy is that teachers set the conditions for discourse in their classrooms, as a microcosm of the democratic society that students will transition into. We believe that a paramount responsibility of our work at LREI is to help build the skills of engaging in discourse by practicing these skills in our classrooms every day. What do we mean by discourse, and why does it matter to our work as citizens in a democratic society?

Discourse, or the robust discussing of ideas and issues, is central to solving problems, and to working towards consensus. In this work, we must learn to listen actively, to consider what is asserted by others, and to wrestle with the ideas shared by others in relation to our own.

Last week I had the opportunity to join a field trip and conduct fieldwork, with the Fours. We went to the Farmers Market for two reasons: to purchase apples for further work and learning in the classroom, and to interview farmers about their working conditions. My group of four-year-old researchers was very successful on the point of farmer research–they asked all of their questions and collected significant data. But we encountered a challenge regarding the apples. Our task was to purchase 5 yellow apples. The problem was, we found none. However, the fours already knew how to solve this problem. One four said to the others–we should have a discussion, and then plopped down on the ground in the middle of the farmers market. The others followed suit. And then I joined. Children put forward ideas, disagreed, negotiated, and came to an agreement (although one four was skeptical). We could purchase golden delicious apples instead.

This story is wonderful for so many reasons. But I encourage you not to get lost in the precious parts of this story – the fours engaged in critical work at the Farmers Market that will matter in their lives.

We live in a time when discourse in our country is difficult, if not impossible. And yet, it is the only way that we can foster new ideas, solutions, and ways to take care of one another. At LREI, we engage in the work of discourse in “low stakes” ways every day, from lower school through high school. We grapple with math problems together and argue about solutions. We draw models and put language to phenomena under study–in the process of coming to know. We notice problems in our classrooms and school community and robustly discuss potential solutions. We discuss texts and the multiple meanings that arise from our vast and varied experiences, and then we listen to each other in order to deepen and complicate our own knowledge and understanding. This is our primary, ongoing work as teachers, every single day.

With care,

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HALLOWEEN FAIR THIS WEEKEND!

On Saturday, October 28, the Parents Association will host one of our school’s most beloved annual traditions: the LREI Halloween Fair. This spirited and joy-filled event is a favorite among students and marks an important moment in our calendar for new and returning parents to get together — and to get involved.

In a year of so much change, both feel more important than ever.

My sincere hope is that you will come out on the 28th, whether simply to attend with your family or to pitch in alongside other volunteers to hang spider webs, sell pizza and decorate the haunted house. The Halloween Fair FAQ from the Parents Association is linked here which includes plenty of information on how to do both (and more).

See you at the Fair!

LIT NIGHT IS BACK!

On Thursday, November 2nd, at 6:30 pm, join us for an adults-only (childcare provided!), sit-down dinner (catered by Chef Eric!), followed by readings and conversation with two authors, Fiona Davis and Joanna Scutts, moderated by beloved high school history teacher Ann Carroll. Joanna Scutts will be discussing Hotbed, a nonfiction book about a secret feminist club in Greenwich Village that Elisabeth Irwin was a part of! Fiona Davis will be discussing The Lions of Fifth Avenue, an historical fiction novel set in NYC during the same time period. You don’t need to read the books beforehand in order to attend! Space is limited, so don’t delay in getting your tickets!!

Thoughts on our Progressive Purpose

From the Desk of Allison Isbell

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