This spring, our Pre-K4 teacher, Ms. Nedda Wilson, traveled to the International Community School (ICS) in Zurich as part of a Round Square faculty exchange. There, she engaged in thoughtful classroom observations, collaborations, and discussions on best practices in early childhood education. The insights she gained will undoubtedly enhance the learning environment at Carrollwood Day School, as she brings fresh ideas and global perspectives back to her students.
A Deep Dive into Global Classrooms
During the visit, Ms. Wilson stepped into various learning environments, spanning PreK-K1 (ages 3-5), K2 (ages 5-6), library lessons, physical education, and even a German language class. Each classroom offered a unique perspective on early childhood education, emphasizing creativity, inquiry-based learning, and student autonomy. Witnessing the Forest Class twice was particularly insightful, highlighting the importance of outdoor learning and hands-on exploration. Students engaged in fort and structure building, fully immersing themselves in nature’s classroom.
Collaboration and Professional Growth
The visit also provided a chance to participate in preschool planning sessions and a one-on-one meeting with the Primary Years Programme (PYP) coordinator. These discussions fostered a meaningful exchange of ideas and strategies, reinforcing the importance of early childhood educators continuously learning from one another. Additionally, the opportunity to join a Nepalese monk, who is also a principal of an IB school in Nepal, in a PreK-K1 classroom was truly enriching. Together, they explored centers and engaged in activities that nurtured students’ curiosity and cultural awareness.
A Community of Learning Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the early childhood classrooms, the experience extended to a range of enriching opportunities. Observing the Gardening Club, an after-school enrichment program, showcased how students are encouraged to connect with nature and develop a sense of responsibility. A highlight of the trip was visiting the 12th-grade IB Diploma Programme art exhibition, which, for the first time ever, was displayed in a downtown gallery space. Seeing students’ creativity celebrated in a professional setting was a testament to the power of artistic expression within the IB curriculum.
Building Lasting Connections
Ms. Wilson’s journey to Zurich was filled with inspiration, collaboration, and meaningful connections. She not only gained valuable insights from the talented educators at ICS but also shared her own expertise, contributing to a mutual exchange of best practices. The relationships built and the conversations sparked will continue to grow, strengthening the global network of educators. The lessons learned from this experience will undoubtedly enrich our Pre-K4 classrooms, fostering a dynamic, globally minded, and innovative learning environment where our youngest learners can thrive.
In 2022, Carrollwood Day School joined Round Square, a global network of schools committed to embracing internationalism, democracy, environmentalism, adventure, leadership, and service. Through international travel, meaningful community service, and dynamic classroom collaborations, our students, faculty, and staff cultivate a deep sense of responsibility and leadership on a global scale. Want to learn more? Click HERE!