Midnight Sun Optional School

Oh my goodness, I had died and gone to education heaven. Anna and I started our school exchange this week and I honestly went in not knowing what to expect. Midnight Sun Optional is the only optional school in the valley (that I'm aware of) and we were a little hesitant because there were a few weird things about the school such as they only have office hours from 10am to 1pm each day and that they are located in the middle of nowhere. We were there for one whole day this week and we will be there for one more day this next week. We observed and helped in a primary class this last week where there are 20 students from ages Kindergarten to second grade. It was neat because with a three year age span, siblings often get to be together and be in the same class. All day long I was amazed. The kids all got along so well and the noise level in the classroom seemed very quiet. Also, the kids were almost always on task, helping each other, and being engaged in what they were learning. I loved the "laid-back" attitude of the classroom even though learning was taking place. Although there is a daily schedule and things are planned to happen at certain times, there was no rushing or push to move on to the next thing. I found it really cool that there were still props for imaginary play (kitchen set, dress up clothes, etc.) and the children got "choice" time almost every day. In the first grade class I have been in, the kids get choice time only on Friday for 30 minutes and there are no imaginary play props. Also, the class we visited was doing a theme study on "eggs."
The teacher designed a literature based integrated unit and it was awesome to see how the egg theme stretched across the content areas. The classroom had an incubator where chicks were being hatched and the kids had also gotten to make "bouncing eggs." The day we were there, we all got to make deviled eggs. I could tell that each and every child in this class loved coming to school and taking part in all the exciting things they get to do. One last thing I wanted to mention took place during Writing Workshop. When the kids were dismissed to begin writing, it was the coolest thing-kids got up and went over to the mobile lab, pulling out Mac laptops to work on their writing. Even kindergartners were typing up their stories on the computers! The kids knew how to use them and respect the property.
I am very excited and eager to go back to Midnight Sun Optional School. The way things were done and viewed at Midnight Sun is the complete opposite from the Title 1 school I have been at for my internship. I am even going to attend the Midnight Sun Orientation this next week to get my son on the lottery for 2010!