ECLC: Getting to Know Graland
Each year with her ECLC students, teacher Lisa Flannery starts the new school year with "Getting to Know You" segments at Graland. "These lessons are not only important for ECLC children to get familiar with the campus," Mrs. Flannery shared, "but to learn about who works here and what they do, where their sibling's classrooms are located, where they go for library, music, art, and P.E., what to do when they have big feelings, what the difference is between a big deal and a little deal, and ways to keep themselves, their things, and each other safe."
According to Mrs. Flannery, these segments and the ECLC curriculum are based on best practices for young children. "We follow the guidance of Beginning of the Year by Creative Curriculum, The First Six Weeks by Responsive Classroom, and The Pyramid Plus Approach to Positive Behavior and Development. All three philosophies use evidence-based, early childhood social-emotional, and inclusive practices to improve the quality of early childhood environments," Mrs. Flannery said.
Already, just three weeks into the school year, the ECLC students have exhibited growth from these lessons. "The children have made friends with each other, are learning how to resolve conflict using "solution cards," and know to go to the calming bench to help regulate their emotions if they become upset," Mrs. Flannery said.
The students have also made new friends on campus, including Bob from the cafeteria and Dave from the maintenance team. "Each day, when Bob delivers our lunch, the children crowd at our window to say hi to him. He is like a rock star in ECLC! When our air conditioner went out in our class, and a temporary one was installed, the children crowded around Dave to ask him a thousand questions about what he was doing."
Way to go, ECLC students! We can't wait to watch you continue to grow at Graland.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
