2024-2025 Summer + After School Enrichment Program:
Now enrolling 5-10 (K-5) year old young explorers - Apply, call or schedule a tour today.
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The Grand Magnolia School
Blog: The Grand Magnolia Glimpse
"I believe that the traits we most value (and need) in our adult leaders, change-makers, and doers is fostered through inclusive, play-based, experiential, and child-directed learning environments.
Curiosity. Critical Thinking. Creativity. Confidence.
Flow. Questioning. Independence. Self-Awareness."
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"This week was full of liveliness and exploration, even with the unpredictability of wet and wintry weather! We were able to bridge learning in the classroom directly into the real world as we bundled up in layers and spent time in nature."
"When we created our winter wonderland scene, we did not imagine that we would have our very own Richmond snow storm after so many (somewhat disconcertingly) balmy days!"
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"It's the most wonderful (full, stressful, complex, joyous) time of the year. With winter in full swing and the new year just around the corner, The Grand Magnolia School is taking a moment to celebrate with our community."
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"At Grand Magnolia, we hope each students learns to appreciate and think beyond symbol-recognition to explore the depth of stories with agency--and delight."
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"We believe children should run, jump, move, and breathe fresh air throughout the day. Learning occurs in nature and in the classroom seamlessly, with mindfulness check-ins and yoga integrated into our daily rhythms."
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"We spend most of our days outside, using experiential, hands-on learning techniques that center play and engagement. What a perfect time to allow children to take the lead with curiosity in nature!"
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"Create consistent flows and rhythms and even use similar phrases/mantras to help children and caregivers get into new grooves. Validate the emotions (sadness, anger, worry) that may accompany the transition and give loads of positive affirmation as you and your family try out new things!"
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"Children have such an inherent drive to discover and learn, they engage fully with the concept that arise around them with impressive sophistication."
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"I love how children experience their emotions with such force and clarity. At the same time, it can feel challenging as children contend with big emotions. Before they develop the awareness and skills to engage with them, feelings spill out in a variety of ways. This week at The Grand Magnolia School, we noticed, named, and expressed emotions as we continue to adjust and acclimate to a new space and new people!"
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"As we dive into an extraordinary school year, I have been thinking a lot about the impact of global trauma on learning and development. Back to school can bring up strong emotions during the most tranquil of times. After a year and a half of disruption, uncertainty, extra time with parents, isolation, and adjustments, we all (teachers, parents, AND students), can work to be extra gentle and gracious with ourselves and others."
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"As we dive into an extraordinary school year, I have been thinking a lot about the impact of global trauma on learning and development. Back to school can bring up strong emotions during the most tranquil of times. After a year and a half of disruption, uncertainty, extra time with parents, isolation, and adjustments, we all (teachers, parents, AND students), can work to be extra gentle and gracious with ourselves and others."
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"When we designed our COVID-19 protocols, we knew our foundational core beliefs and practices: 1) trust scientific experts in this area, 2) implement policies that exceed the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and state/local guidelines, and 3) create a policy that is dynamic and responsive as we learn more and key variables change.."
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"Bubbles create a wonderful opportunity to discuss early STEAM concepts including floating and sinking and surface tension. Children feel naturally engaged with and excited by bubbles -- capitalize on that inherent joy to discuss colors, count, and practice scientific observation. Some open-ended inquiries to spark learning conversations. If you notice your child is into it, extend and deepen the learning. If not, just chill and watch the bubbles. Empathetic, attuned time engaged in observation (even if only for a few minutes) is a goal unto itself!"
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"Luckily, we've found that outdoor excursions near RVA's widely-available bodies of water offer some relief from the oppressive heat index. Moreover, water helps children ground and calm some of the dysregulation that can arise as we contend with big emotions. The canal also offers a fantastic learning environment to discuss migration and trade, the living and complex history of Richmond, and the many creatures that make waterways their homes."
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"One of my greatest hopes is to cultivate a space that offers a little port in the storm. Our 100% fully-vaccinated teaching staff and interns employ evidenced-based health and safety practices. Most of all, Grand Magnolia's intentionally small size of no more than 8 children helps us reduce risk and keep clear, open lines of communication with each family. We do this while creating an environment where children feel seen as the wonderful individuals they are. I think it's a special place and maybe, just maybe, it makes parenting through a pandemic just a *little* less hard."
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"As the Delta variant continues to rise in our city and beyond, I am reminded of the wonder of our small, intentional community. In addition to exceeding CDC, local, and state guidelines I am thankful for our micro-school approach that enables nuanced and dynamic conversations about risk, health, and wellness within our learning pod."
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