One thing I think is important to share about Abintra is that it's a non profit. That’s it. No  explanations. No fluff.  When I learned this, it shifted the way I thought  about the school and added one more piece to the puzzle that is Abintra. Being part of this community has taught me the culture of being curious, and that asking questions is a daily practice. This is what the children experience in the classrooms. As a community we strive to create opportunities to ask questions,  to learn about the school, the children, and  the impact this  has on our families. The discussion helps us be more informed members  and helps us see a better picture of  Abintra. I invite you to  to get involved. Join in and  meet the  staff, faculty, board members, and parents.  Be curious about this place and make it a bigger part of your family’s life. To close, I’d like  to introduce to your Heather ...

We spent the afternoons of the week before the eclipse learning the science behind eclipses, studying myths and preparing a play for classmates, studying the cultural stories surrounding eclipses as humans tried to explain the phenomena through time, and using Spanish vocabulary focused on the eclipse. We tried to imagine what it would be like to experience such an event without knowing the science. We also looked at how early knowledge and prediction of eclipses occurred in human history and some of the discoveries that were made during eclipses, such as the element helium. We practiced safety procedures and the students helped to make their "space alien" viewing glasses for added protection, using paper plates and NASA approved viewing glasses.  The morning of the eclipse we shared our work from the previous immersion week and enjoyed a performance of the theater group's story of an eclipse myth and music created during immersion songwriting. During th...

8:30 - 8:45 - Carline: This is the starting point of the student's day. During carline children begin to navigate the social world by greeting and responding to others. 8:30 - 11:30 - Morning work cycle: During this time, the students receive individual or group lessons. They experience consistency in routines and materials. They develop a sense of community.   11:30 - 12:30 - Lunch: The children have the opportunity to converse with their lunch partner, share fun experiences, and express their opinions. They learn appropriate table manners, meal etiquette, and social skills. They develop a sense of security and togetherness. Preparing the table gives them the chance to contribute and build their skills and self-esteem. 12:30 - 3:15 - Recess / Afternoon Work Cycle / Nap: Young children progress through play as their social and emotional skills develop. Solitary, parallel, associative, and cooperative play take place. The students contin...

Garrett Farley Role: Upper Elementary Science Guide Background: Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Science Education from Florida Atlantic University, former high school teacher, head of the nature program at a sleep away camp in Maine. More about Garrett: "Having just moved to Nashville, I spend a lot of my free time exploring the city and hiking trails. I'm very excited to work with the students and guides and experience all of what Abintra has to offer!" Christy Berryessa Role: Upper Elementary Language Guide, Upper School Theater Guide Background: BFA in Theater from Belmont, has acted in and costumed multiple productions in the Nashville area, including Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Christy is also a former Abintra student! More about Christy: "When I'm not in the classroom, I'm either on stage acting or hanging out with my husband and my Husky." David Cloniger Role: Upper School Farm Manager Background: Bachelor...

The core of our elementary curriculum is the Great Lessons. Lower Elementary students were thrilled by the story of the birth of the universe and the beginnings of Earth, the First Great Lesson. The first part of this lesson was presented before the solar eclipse. The second part of this lesson, the beginning of our planet Earth, includes several demonstrations for students to replicate over the next several weeks. The activities represent: Layers of the Earth Volcanoes The three states of matter The water cycle  The First Great Lesson begins our journey into: Astronomy: solar system, stars, galaxies, comets, constellations Meteorology: wind, weather, erosion, water cycle, clouds, glaciers Chemistry: states of matter, changes, mixtures, reactions Physics: gravity, energy, light, sound, heat, friction, motion, magnetism Geology: types of rocks, minerals, land forms, volcanoes, earthquakes, eras of the Earth Geography: maps, globes, latitude/longitude, cl...

We all need to vent sometimes. Parents need to understand the difference between frustration tolerance, venting, and asking for help, and it isn't always clear. First, frustration tolerance: Many students struggle with  frustration tolerance,  and need direct instruction in how to work through frustrating situations. Here's how you can help: 1. Connect frustration to the body. Our emotions impact our physical bodies. Encourage them to think about how their body feels when they're experiencing frustration or other strong emotions. 2. Learn about triggers. We are all different, but some common triggers of frustration include:  transitions  negative peer interactions  challenging academic work  feeling misunderstood  lack of control/seeking perfection  hunger (a HUGE one for middle school)  exhaustion  break in routine Encourage your child to develop a list of triggers that create frustration for them. ...

Upper Elementary students are spending two weeks immersing themselves in an area of their choosing: gardening, music, art, or theater. We've been sharing photos from each area throughout the week. Today, we'll share photos of art and theater. After reviewing slab, coil, and pinch pot construction, art students first designed and then formed vessels out of clay. They were encouraged to consider both the functional and the sculptural aspects of their designs. Several students animated their pots with animal and human-like features while others chose to make more traditional clay vessel designs. Theater students are preparing the play "The Battle of the Sun and Moon," a folk tale about the eclipse. Today they performed a dress rehearsal for their classmates.