I believe strongly that Quaker ideas and values should be
addressed explicitly in the elementary classrooms. I also believe that the
children in those classrooms need to be exposed to a community of people who
value and are led by those same Quaker ideas. I’m of a mind that there needs to
be a balance between Quakerism being “caught, not taught” and children needing
someone to explicitly lead them in the social and spiritual component of a
Friends’ education. As one of the clerks of my Lower School QLC community, I
believe that my role is to create and curate a collection of tools that
teachers, parents, and students can use in the course of their Friends
education. I don’t believe that my role is to define or dictate how each member
of my community interprets, delivers, or shares these tools. I am merely a
fellow traveler who is ready to lend my metaphorical binoculars when someone is
confused or unsure of which direction might be clear or beautiful or
interesting. I also believe that, as a teacher of students who are just
beginning their Friends education, I have a responsibility to provide age
appropriate foundation blocks for future learning and discovery. As a teacher
of our youngest children, I introduce Quaker testimonies in visible, audible,
and tangible manners. I have created a classroom culture that includes
language, traditions, and behavior that are rooted in Quakerism. I make careful
choices, read diverse stories, and share my own truth as an example of letting
one’s life speak whenever possible or appropriate.
This blog contains a collection of materials, information, videos, and other ideas that I use as an educator at a Quaker school. I am currently completely preoccupied with the Quaker life and identity of the PK-4th grade at Sidwell Friends School where I also teach kindergarten.
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Meeting for Worship 101
It’s time! Shake off the sand and log into the devices… Let’s get ready for the new school year. My first task this week is to prepare for ...

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We print this in a variety of sizes and have them posted around the school, including individual classrooms, in order to make ...
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Testimonies are such a powerful tool.... useful beyond the framework of Quakerism as a faith. Quaker testimonies are commonly recogni...
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I can't remember where I found this little sheet - Canadian Yearly Meeting maybe... It is a really great teaching resources for a...