Opal School Blog
Simple Materials Can Hold Complex Ideas
As educators we believe that young children have the right to use a variety of materials that facilitate opportunities for exploration, experimentation, discovery and creation.…
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Community, Camp Collins and Comfort Zones
So much of this time of year is devoted, implicitly and explicitly, to community building. Following are some photos of what community building looks like…
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The Principles of Playful Inquiry
Adapted from What About Play? The Value of Investing in Child’s Play by Susan Harris MacKay, 2010 What is the role of adults in playful…
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Authentic Inquiry and real life challenges
“What kind of blocks does each classroom need?” “What is the space like where they will store their blocks?” “How are the pre-schoolers using the…
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Mapping Our Hearts
Our most important work in the first few weeks (and months) of school is getting to know one another. Learning new things about one another,…
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Playing with History
It is a widely held belief that play is the work of young children. I think this statement has evolved because, as a society, we…
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Welcome New Readers!
If you're visiting the Opal School Blog for the first time because you've linked from the story that includes us on the Edutopia blog, welcome! We're glad…
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Diving Into Story
So we can see the power of story. But what exactly is a story, anyway? That is the question posed today by GB — not…
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The Power of Story
On the very first day of school, Kimie wrote this reflection: Our first morning meeting after goodbyes to loved ones–we found ourselves alone together for…
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Discovery & Exploration
Opal 4 students used a range of materials to uncover summer discoveries. Opal School views the arts as a way to explore complex ideas…
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