Posts about Early Learning Program
October 18, 2019
Joyful Learning in BASIS Independent McLean’s Toddler Program
Laughter, discovery, smiles, playtime—you’ll find these in every BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) Toddler class, just like any toddler room. You’ll also find Mandarin, STEM, performing arts, and more learning mixed in with their curiosity and joy. Our Toddler Program (ages 2–3) is your child’s first classroom, not a daycare.
October 10, 2019
Teacher Spotlight: Early Learning Teacher Ms. Setty
If you scan the Quarks classroom too fast, you might miss Ms. Setty and her co-teacher, Ms. Johnson, because they are often on the same level as their PreK-1 3-year-old students. They understand where their students are at socially and emotionally and meet them at the level, literally. Ms. Setty is more than just a teacher, she’s a coach, supporter, and friend. She loves hands-on activities that engage her students, as well as helping them learn how to be a good friend.
She is excited to be a member of a teaching staff that not only empowers children to ask big questions, but also builds an atmosphere where teachers are encouraged and expected to ask big questions of themselves and each other. She believes that learning is a lifelong pursuit. We sat down with Ms. Setty to learn more about her passion for PreK-1, what it’s like having a co-teacher, and her own interests!
April 15, 2019
A Wonderful Wellness Week
We had a wonderful Wellness Week promoting heath, wellness, and self-care to students, teachers, and parents. Each day had a theme and various activities that went with that theme. We also paired it with Spirit Week to get the students excited about wellness and Spring Break.
April 13, 2019
See "I Hear America Singing" Kindergarten-Grade 5 Musical (photos)
In "I Hear America Singing," each kindergarten through grade 5 class sang and danced to tunes that highlighted the United States and its military. The patriotic performance showcased the hard work and months of practice of our students and Subject Expert Teachers Mr. Junsay and Ms. Michalak.
February 6, 2019
Staff Spotlight: Director of Student Affairs of Toddler-Grade 3 Ms. Korik
Walking into our Early Learning entrance (for Toddler, PreK, and Kindergarten families) you’ll see fun photos of Early Learning students in class, a dry erase board with a question of the week for students to answer, and often Director of Toddler-Grade 3 Cassie Korik because her office is right off the atrium. She loves greeting families and getting to know parents and siblings as much as the students she serves.
Though much of Ms. Korik’s time is dedicated to supporting teachers and assisting parents, the highlights of her day are when she visits classrooms. Every class she enters is filled with smiling students engaging in hands-on lessons with their peers and teachers. We sat down with her to get to know her, what she enjoys about her role, and why she’s excited about our Early Learning (including our new Toddler) and primary programs.
December 21, 2018
The Importance of Student Choice Time in Early Learning
What do I want to do right now—read, solve puzzles, build something, play with bubbles, or create a craft? Do I want to play alone or with a friend? These are the questions our Early Learning (PreK-1 through kindergarten) students are asking and answering for themselves every day during Choice Time. This time revolves around centers that connect to various lessons from the week, often around a World Discovery theme.
By making the choice of how they want to learn, our youngest learners are getting to know more about themselves and what they enjoy. They start making choices about what subjects they like and what they want to know more about.
November 8, 2018
We've Got Spirit, Yes, We Do!
Leading up to the Homecoming dance, our high school Association of Student Leaders planned a school-wide spirit week, including several themed dress up days that every grade could partake in.
November 1, 2018
Teacher Spotlight: Physical Education SET & Triathlete Mr. Coquelin
Shouting, laughter, and running can be heard coming from the gym whenever PreK through grade 4 students are in P.E. They just can’t get enough of Subject Expert Teacher Mr. Coquelin’s physical education classes.
More than just learning basketball, soccer, and other sports skills, P.E. at BASIS Independent McLean teaches balance, agility, teamwork, and everyday life skills. Mr. Coquelin's strives to make his students enjoy being active, so that they will want to continue being active on a daily basis once they have left his class.
October 19, 2018
Introducing The Twos Program!
BASIS Independent McLean is excited to offer a Twos Program starting in the 2019-2020 school year. The full-day program will give 2-3 year olds a place to learn, grow, and play in a supportive environment that nurtures growing minds.
June 15, 2018
Why Mandarin?
This blog has been repurposed from the BASIS.ed blog with a few minor changes, which you can find here.
Welcome!
Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! McLean is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.