TerraNichol Academy of the Arts
November Learning Journey! We welcome December!
Our Journey through the Reggio Emilia Learning Labs.
Another fabulous month was had by all at TerraNichol Academy. We hope everyone had a wonderful much-needed Thanksgiving break. We hope you enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
We were excited about our beautiful students to explore all the new learning lab activities for the month of December.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Did you know that:
The tower took 226 years to build to completion!
There are 251 steps inside the tower to reach the top level!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is shrinking. It has shrunk 6m which is a little over 19 feet!
Pisa means "marshy land" which is found throughout the city
This soft marshy land is the reason for the famous lean!
Construction was halted for over 100 years as architects tried to figure out a resolution to the lean. Miss Terra will bring in a picture of her visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. She will share the first-hand experience of what the tower looked like, what the winding staircases are like, and the details of the tower. Students will be fascinated to learn her relive of her tower experience.
Students will become fascinated by this beautiful world landmark. Counting the levels, learning facts about the tower and sketching and building replicas is giving students a first-hand experience of the tower. Creative ideas to help support and repair the tilt have been suggested by our little engineers such as building supports to keep the tower from future tilting.
All around the world
We are traveling around the world with our first stop in the beautiful and historic country of Italy. Students will create their own passports allowing them safe travel to other countries. We will continue our passports throughout the next couple of weeks and mark all of our travels including France and England. Students will share the ideas of coming back to the US before we conclude our project to visit some of the fabulous states we have right here in the USA. I am sure we will have some students that will not want to leave their homes.
Gingerbread Man Literacy Journey
Oh No! the Gingerbread Man has escaped from the oven! Loose on the school campus. Wanted! The students will brainstorm some ideas about making a trap for the Gingerbread Man as well as engineering a way for the Gingerbread Man to cross the river without the help of the sly fox.
Run, Run, as fast as you can, you can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread Man!
In Music Appreciation, we are introducing orchestra with a focus on The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint Saens. Each piece in the collection features a different animal and we are focusing on the tone of the instruments and the feeling that the music can evoke. This week in Music Appreciation we began by choosing a few of the movements to listen to. As we listened we identified the primary instrument in the piece. Then we will discuss how it sounds. Did it play a fast tempo or slow? Did it sound upbeat or ominous? How did it represent the title animal given by Camille Saint Saens? Miss Terra will share a youtube video of a real orchestra performance.
Beethoven 9 - Chicago Symphony Orchestra - Riccardo Muti.
What is an orchestra? An orchestra is a large instrumental ensemble typical of Western classical music, which combines instruments from different families, including bowed string instruments such as the violin, viola, cello, and double bass, brass instruments such as the horn, trumpet, trombone, and tuba to name a few.
A wonderful holiday gift would be to take your child to a local concert.
Here are some local concert halls. A great event to do over the winter break.
- The Venice Symphony
- The North Port Symphony
- The Englewood Performing Arts
Feel the Flow...The Yoga Flow
December's yoga flow will be introduced. Animal Yoga Flow and Animal Sound Breath and Laughing Breath!
Yoga Story Journey: Goodnight Animal World
Yoga Mantra: Keep Calm and listen to classical soothing music!
Yoga Project: What helps you feel calm? Create a poster of techniques that work for you!
This month in Yoga we enjoyed the new yoga games purchased off our Amazon Wish List. Yoga Spinner game, Yoga Dice Roll, and Pose offered challenging poses for our little Yogis. We will continue with these games throughout this month and January! Namaste Yogis!
World Yoga Day: We will celebrate with a yoga obstacle course and make a yoga video to share!
Zumba Fitness-The students will learn the steps to the Cha-Cha and demonstrate the Cha-Cha- Slide. This Zumba song focuses on directionality!!!
Ciao!
XOXO, Miss Terra
Founder
December and January Reggio Emilia Monthly Curriculum
Let's get outdoors!
Yoga Outside
Culinary Arts workshop with UF Miss DINA
Exploring Pumpkin Projects
Fall Reggio Emilia Projects
Art Appreciation
Yoga November Flow
Our December Kindness Project!
Wow, our Kindness Fairy traveled all the way from Iceland to encourage our students to display acts of kindness throughout the month. This year the kindness fairy is trying a new approach with students introducing a new way to demonstrate kindness each day! We take kindness as a core value at our school which we mentor, and work on developing every day! We want kindness to become an instilled quality in our loving students that remains with them throughout life. #kindnesscounts We are a certified kindness school.
It's that time of Year!
Development Student Checklist/Assessment
A hard copy of the student assessments will be sent home before Winter break, along with first-semester student portfolios.
Beginning the first week of school the Founder begins making observations, documenting skills, collecting samples for student portfolios, snapping photos of skill demonstrations, and using the information collected to tailor your child's learning experience while at school. When making observations we consider the Florida State Standards for children 1-3 yrs, 3-5 yrs., and Florida State Standards for Pre-Kindergarten-First grade students, Sunshine State Standards, and Common Core State Standards for Kindergarten to offer as a template of the skills that students should be demonstrating, progressing or showing beginning skills. We also take into consideration your child's likes, interests, participation levels in various activities, strengths, and any areas that they are still making progress. The Developmental Checklist/Assessment will give you keen insight into your child's progress for the semester. You will see that some skills may be checked off as "not yet demonstrating" or "beginning skill", which is typical for the beginning or mid-year. In order to check mastered, children must demonstrate the skill 100% of the time both individually and in group settings without assistance from the teaching team. As we continue to observe throughout the spring semester the teaching team will look for growth in these areas. The short-term goals highlighted at the end of the assessment are the most important. These goals have been set by the Founder to meet by creating a collaboration between home and school. We ask that you work on any goals shared to provide consistency for your child and help them make more concrete connections. We hope that you find this Developmental Checklist/Assessments as informative as we do in providing a unique and individualized educational experience for your child. We ask that you email us the goals that you would like to see your child demonstrate both at home and school.
All emails should be sent by January 1st, 2022. We will add them to the checklist.
Note: (This does not include VPK ONLY 540 Instructional Hour program.) You will receive the state-required first-period assessment.
Note: If you started mid-semester you will receive a spring semester student assessment. If the portfolio is not completed with student work we will send it home the second semester.
Parent Handbook Policy Reminders
Waste-Free Lunch Policies
Students and teachers eat together for a pleasant social and learning experience. Table manners are modeled, as are health issues. The children participate in preparing the snack as much as possible. We encourage children to gain practical life skills by being independent during snacks and lunch. The children are encouraged to pour their drinks, pass materials, and help clean up. Culinary Arts projects are done monthly in small project groups and students will eat their culinary masterpieces as part of the experience. Allergies and restrictions are adhered to closely and noted foods are eliminated from the servings for individual children.
Parents are responsible for bringing their child’s lunch. We ask that all lunches follow the TNA “waste-free/greener lunch policy”. All foods should be prepared, in child-size portions, cut/sliced/peeled, and in non-breakable easy to open containers for safe eating and independence. All reusable lunch boxes need to be labeled on the outside with your child’s name. Your child’s lunch must include reusable utensils, cloth napkins, a cloth placemat, and a reusable stainless steel drink cup. **Sippy cups will not be allowed in lunches or the program.**
A well-balanced lunch should consist of the following:
Protein source: such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cooked dried beans, or peas.
2 vegetables, 2 fruits or 1 fruit and 1 vegetable. (please pack fresh fruits or vegetables please.)Grain: whole grains or pasta.
Please pack only water in your child’s reusable drink cup.
Children will be encouraged to eat their “healthy brain growing foods” and the foods that offer the most nutritional value first. Food that does not serve a nutritional value will remain in your child’s lunch if other foods are not completely eaten.
Because some parents may not want their child to eat certain foods or an allergic reaction may occur, children are not allowed to share lunches.
No candy, Juice, juice boxes, cookies, chocolate, soda, packaged foods, processed foods, chips, goldfish, chocolate or chocolate-covered trail mixes, teddy or bunny Grahams, canned fruits or vegetables, hot dogs, whole grapes, popcorn, or gummies allowed! No exceptions! If these types of foods are packed they will be sent home with a note from school lunch policies.
Diapering Supplies
Students in Diapers must have an adequate supply of diapers, wipes, and powder-free latex gloves at all times. If your child is without supplies you will be called to bring them to the school within 30 minutes.
Diaper Supplies should include...
diapers to fit in child’s diaper basket located with personal belongings
2 boxes of latex powder-free gloves per month (100 counts per box) no vinyl restaurant gloves
2 packages of wipes per month (refill package work best) (count 100-216)
Due to storage restraints, we can no longer store large boxes of diapers. It is the responsibility of the parent to check your child’s diaper cubby (located in the story studio) At the first of each month diapers, wipes, and gloves must be restocked.
The Five Agreements Toltec Wisdom by Dr. Miguel Ruiz MD.
Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama, with just this one agreement you will completely transform your life.
Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their reality, their dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
Be Impeccable, With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love towards yourself and others.
Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment: it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstances, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.
Be Skeptical, But Learn to Listen
Don’t believe in yourself or anybody else. Use the power of doubt to question everything you hear: Is it the truth? Listen to the intent behind the words, and you will understand the real message.
Calling on our Tribe
Volunteers
Handyman projects on campus. Earn volunteer hours! Winter Break would be a great time to help us out as we will be closed. Email Miss Terra if you would like to volunteer. terranicholacademy@gmail.com See the photos below
- Garden Houses
Our adorable garden houses are in need of some repair. We would like to replace some parts with more sustainable materials. When designed and built by the company it seems that the wood was not sustainable enough for Florida weather especially the moisture. If you could help us with the repairs we are need assistance as soon as possible. Also if you have ideas of what materials would be cost-effective and also will hold up please reach out. The porch areas and the molding are the areas that need repair first.
3. Wood bridge on the biking trail. Volunteer to fix loose boards and reinforce them.
For the Holidays!
Dear Santa Baby and TerraNichol Parents,
The Teaching Team at TerraNichol Academy has been very nice this school year. As well as Valentino. We have spread love, kindness, happiness, and patience. We have worked as a team to support and aid our environment by providing our students the education to raise the Earth and not hurt the earth. We stay healthy and eat our growing vegetables and food. We have provided an enriching, creative, safe, and nurturing learning lab environment for our students to thrive in their developmental skills. Most of all we love what we do, shaping the minds of our future citizens of the world.
We hope you will spread the love and happiness back to us this holiday season by providing some of the items on our AMAZON wish list. We would rather give back to our learning environment with new materials than have gifts for ourselves.
PEACE, LOVE, AND HAPPINESS
THE TERRANICHOL ACADEMY TEACHING TEAM
TerraNichol Academy Of The Arts School Wishlist
Earn your 12 volunteer hours by shopping our Amazon school wishlist.
Shop local!
Local Holiday Shopping! Ho! Ho! Ho!
Did you know that you can do some of your holiday shopping right here at TerraNichol Academy!? Shop our organic, non-toxic better life cleaning products, super cute little clothing boutique, convenient Baggu Totes as well as fun stocking stuffers like Soy Rock Crayons or yoga student bags! No lines, no fuss, and quality products that give back to your child's school! Eco-Friendly lifestyle.
Holiday Essential Oils
Holiday Joy Essential Oil
What's that scent you say diffusing throughout the campus and learning labs?
Enjoy the delightful fragrance of our limited-time blend, Holiday Joy. This enchanting blend of Wild Orange, Nutmeg, Pine, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, and Vanilla absolute promotes a warm holiday embrace and will fill your home and senses with the most inviting fragrance of the season for aromatic use. $32.67
Holiday Peace Blend
Discover your grounding foundation in the delicate tones of Holiday Peace with the calming aromas of three firs—Siberian, Douglas, and Himalayan—complimented by Grapefruit, Frankincense, and Vetiver. Embrace the soothing aroma of these fir oils, reminiscent of wintertime traditions. Holiday Peace will help you find the calm during your busy holiday season. Diffuse Holiday Peace or apply to pulse points during family gatherings and holiday prep to keep the atmosphere peaceful and merry. The harmonious blend of Holiday Peace will help bring a tranquil and serene feeling to your home during the holidays. $32.67https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/terratominelli
Shop the School Store for some great kid friendly stocking stuffers.
Parent Referrals
Parent Referrals
The best compliment to our program is parent referrals.
Thank you to all our TerraNichol Academy families for recommending our program. We are very honored to be serving the community and feel it is a privilege to be an Early Childhood Teacher. We are very proud of our work with children, the program, and the school family we have developed and created over the last 18 years.
We are sad but excited for Miss Kate.
Help us wish Miss Kate Well!
We are sad to see Miss Kate leave the TerraNichol Academy Family. But are super excited for her new adventure. We wish her well and the best of luck. At some point, we knew this day would come. This has been a lifelong dream for Miss Kate.
We have a new pen pal and will be sending many letters to Miss Kate. January semester will be new interns, and two of our teaching team interns and subs will be returning from maternity leave. Cheers to the new year 2022 and new adventures in learning!
I started TerraNichol as an intern back in 2017. I was just finishing my Bachelors's Degree in Early Childhood Education, I had all of the textbook knowledge, but now, I needed some real-world experience. When I walked in I noticed all of the bright colors, the fresh fragrance, and the plethora of materials at the students’ disposal. I was excited to find a Preschool that not only prioritized children’s interests but had a naturalist perspective and an eco-friendly campus. I started off working just a couple of days a week, helping out with projects, cleaning, and organizing but was eager to teach. Over time, as I became familiarized with the school, I took on more teaching roles and jumped into a full-time position. Being with my students, creating new lesson plans, and meeting everyday challenges helped me grow as a teacher and a person. I can honestly say that I am not the same person I was when I walked into the rock room almost four years ago. I am stronger, have greater confidence, and am now a well-rounded educator. My students taught me humility, patience, and determination and I learned more from working with them at this school than I ever did in a college classroom. Over the years I have had the pleasure of getting to know some of the most incredible children and families that I have ever met. We worked together on establishing goals, overcoming obstacles, mastering new skills, and celebrating our successes. I witnessed the growth of my students who started with very few words and clumsy feet and became confident beings who spoke their truth and found their passions, an honor in which I cannot put into words. But now, a new opportunity lies ahead, a lifelong dream has been presented to me and I cannot look away but only move forward. I have been offered a job in Greece where I will be teaching refugees English and Astronomy as a means to help them overcome their past and build a better future. While I am there I will be working on my Masters's Degree in Space Studies to pursue a career at NASA’s STEM Education center and bring Astronomy and space exploration education to every classroom in the country. This journey will be life-changing and open up several doors for me, but I wouldn’t even have the confidence to go if it weren’t for the incredible opportunity I’ve had teaching at TerraNichol and the mentoring intern program the Founder Terra Tominelli provides for teachers. Thank you for believing in me Miss Terra.
I will miss my students dearly, the love I have for them is beyond what I could ever imagine and I will carry their love, their words, and their art with me forever and I can’t thank them enough for that. To all of my students: You are incredible beings with beautiful minds, kind hearts, and an insatiable curiosity. I truly believe that you will all make this world a better place. I am excited for what the future will bring you, the experiences that you’ll have, the new friends that you’ll make, and the growth you will experience as a person. Remember that this universe is incredible, you can do anything, be anyone and accomplish anything you set your mind to and I know you’ll do just that. Remember to advocate for yourselves, speak up for others and help
you are friends whenever they’re in need. Try new things, go on adventures and remember, the world is at your fingertips.
With all the love in the world, the stars and beyond, -Miss Kate
TerraNichol Academy of the Arts Innovative Reggio Emilia School
TerraNichol Academy of The Arts School is the kind of school parents expect, educators celebrate and children adore. Our approach to learning celebrates the great potential of young children, with the goal of nurturing self-motivated, life-long learners. The learning labs are guided by our Master Teachers as well as the Founder of TerraNichol Academy of The Arts Preschool with low teacher-to-child ratio to allow for one-on-one engagement and thoughtful observation. Join our small community school for a backstage tour and be inspired by our thoughtful team of Early Childhood Educators here at TerraNichol Academy.
Come and Explore our Reggio Emilia program at TerraNichol Academy acclaimed for the stunning environments, their educators who create, provoke and dazzle the students' senses, invite curiosity and discovery, and most importantly, foster strong, respectful meaningful relationships.
Come learn about the values for children in the program:
Being a home away from home..
connecting children to their families..
helping children to be powerful and active..
being a steward of the natural world..
seeing oneself as a capable learner..
recognizing and being curious about..
We provide a school environment that is beautiful and taken care of with an attitude of care so that parents, children, and teachers want to come to school every day.
It is with an intelligent heart and courage that we continue our goals and vision to continue to proceed with the work of a child.
Submit a school application by visiting our website if you will be attending the Tour. http://www.terranichol.com/resources
Email: terranicholacademy@gmail.com
Website: www.terranichol.com
Location: 701 Old Englewood Road, Englewood, FL, United States
Phone: 941-474-3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerraNicholAcademyofthearts/
Twitter: @terranichol