The Younger Groups at NCCL

At the morning meeting in Group 2, Natalie stood up to share an idea that she had. Recently she had heard the story of Ann Brown and the beginning of NCCL. This eight-year-old found it a very compelling and important narrative about the founding of the school. She was, she said, really glad that Ann Brown started the school. She was grateful that there was such a place as NCCL. She thought that we should all take more time to appreciate the joy, the pleasure and the excitement about learning that we all have in being part of the NCCL community. More than that, Natalie thought that we should start an NCCL Appreciation Day. From Group 2's morning meeting, to the All School Meeting, to the staff meeting the idea was discussed, a date agreed and, because a child in Group 2 had an idea, we now celebrate NCCL Appreciation Day! The children in groups 1 and 2 are more than members of their classrooms. They are important members of the whole school. They are heard.

Groups 1 and 2

Specifically, the younger half of the school consists of two groups, spanning kindergarten through fourth grade. Each classroom has two teachers available at all times. The atmosphere within both Groups 1 and 2 is warm and accepting, with an emphasis on exploratory learning at the pace of the individual child. While aware of accepted academic standards for children in these age groups, the approach at NCCL is to help the child reach their full potential academically, socially and emotionally by working with the individual child situated in the social context. Sometimes whole class lessons are taught while at others children are broken up into smaller groups to work on specific subjects like math and writing. Math and writing are taught several days a week on a regular basis while other topics appear at different times of the year. The younger children learn primarily through active investigation and discussion, while the older children also take notes and read for information. All children in these two groups present what they have learned in a myriad of ways including skits, drawing, and reports among others.

We also have time each day for active outside play along with a gym class each week. Outside we plant, feed birds and help care for the school And we make friends. At NCCL there is time to get to know each other. Friendships bloom early and last years. It is important to us at NCCL that children keep up strong relationships across groups, and so we have 'buddies'. Group 1 has buddies in Group 3 and Group 2 has buddies in Group 4. With their buddies, the children go swimming, prepare a Buddy Breakfast for their parents, work on projects together and maintain important ties across age groups. Working together and being together leads to a close community filled with mutual respect.

Because of the strong sense of community at NCCL, parents are included as part of the approach. We have conferences and progress reports, but parents are also encouraged to stay in close touch with teachers, to ask questions and give information. Parents are also encouraged to participate in our classroom life in the way that best suits them.

Children who have been to NCCL do not forget the experience. There is a palpable sense of joy and excitement almost every day of the school year. Children and teachers want to be at NCCL. As teachers and students, our experiences at NCCL encourage us to bring that sense of possibility and joy in learning to the wider world.