Around the Kinder Campfire

In this episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, we talk about what it means to start our story in kindergarten. Much of the beginning of the year has been about learning how to be part of a school community—building routines, understanding the different expectations in different spaces, and taking ownership of the classroom. Through our Campfire Agreements and Chadwick’s core values, children are beginning to see themselves as responsible learners who can make choices, ask for help, and contribute to their community.

We also explore how children are beginning to develop as readers, writers, and mathematicians. In reading and writing, we're building comprehension, vocabulary, storytelling, and confidence through interactive read-alouds and the use of our sound walls. Rather than expecting perfect spelling, we want children to become “brave spellers” who listen for sounds and use what they know. In math, we're moving from numbers to 10 into measurement, using hands-on experiences like measuring objects, classmates, and growing bean sprouts to develop mathematical vocabulary and understanding.

Finally, we share some simple ways families can support learning at home: keep reading cozy, talk about stories, play with sounds and rhymes, and give children plenty of opportunities to tell stories about their experiences. Most importantly, protect time for play, rest, and connection. As we look ahead to parent-teacher conferences and our Identity Garden work, we invite families to consider one important question: What is your child beginning to believe about themselves as a learner? Our message to children is simple: they don't have to know everything—they just need to know how to try.

The Kindergarten team would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice note!

First-Day Jitters: Preparing for the Big Day

In this episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, the Chadwick School Kindergarten Team helps families prepare for the first day of school. We cover practical first-day logistics and welcome Village Counselor Ms. Marisa Ryan for a conversation about supporting children—and ourselves—through the emotions of this big transition.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Getting Ready for the First Day
• Preparing for the Weather
• Carpool & Dismissal

First-Day Jitters with Ms. Ryan

Village Counselor Marisa Ryan, LCSW, joins the kindergarten team to talk about the emotional side of starting school.

Drawing from her experience in schools and her background in trauma-informed care and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Ryan discusses:

• Why first-day anxiety is completely normal
• Different ways children may show anxiety, including tummy aches, headaches, and repeated questions
• The importance of parents checking in with their own anxiety
• How children can "borrow" confidence from their parents
• Preparing as much as possible the night before
• Responding to children's worries without unintentionally making the anxiety bigger
• Communicating confidence while acknowledging that something new can feel tricky
• Reminding children that there are safe, supportive adults at school

Building a Bridge Between Home & School

Ms. Ryan introduces the idea of transitional objects—small reminders that help children feel connected to home while they're at school.

The First-Day Goodbye

One of the biggest takeaways from the episode:

Keep the goodbye short, predictable, and confident.

The team discusses:

• Why lingering can sometimes increase a child's anxiety
• What to do if your child cries
• Trusting teachers to support children through difficult moments
• Giving children a confident message that they are safe and capable
• Remembering that a messy or emotional first day does not mean you've done something wrong as a parent

The team also explains an unusual feature of the first day at Chadwick: kindergarten families will have two goodbyes—one at the classroom door and another after the dolphin-hat exchange.

Coming Up Next

Episode 3: Starting Our Story in Kindergarten

The team will explore how children begin their kindergarten journey and how Camp KINDergarten sets the stage for the year ahead.

Credits

Around the Kinder Campfire is recorded on Chadwick School's beautiful 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Theme music: The Chadwick School Core Values Song, written by Jasmine Love, arranged by Charla Gae, orchestrated by Richard Babcock, and performed by Abishai Smith.

Special thanks to Abishai Smith for sound engineering assistance.

We're so glad you're part of our Camp KINDergarten journey. Until next time, keep growing your story.

The Kindergarten team would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice note!

Welcome to Camp KINDergarten

Welcome to the first episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, the podcast from the Chadwick School Kindergarten Team. In this episode, the kindergarten teachers introduce themselves, reflect on meeting students at Begindergarten, and share what families can expect as the school year begins.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Meet the Kindergarten Team
  • Jocelyn Smith, Kindergarten Lead Teacher
  • Amanda Hartigan, Kindergarten Lead Teacher
  • Adriana Estrada, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
  • Veronica Whitlock, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
  • A Partnership Between School and Home
  • The kindergarten team shares its belief that education is a partnership.
  • Families are invited to stay connected with the team throughout the year as children begin their kindergarten journey.
• What's Ahead
  • A preview of the next episode, focused on dealing with first-day jitters and helping both children and parents navigate the beginning of school.

Meet the Team

Jocelyn Smith is a kindergarten lead teacher who joined Chadwick in 2018. Her educational background includes child and family studies, educational media and technology, school librarianship, and elementary education. Her professional experiences have included working with children and families and advocating for children's educational needs.

Amanda Hartigan is a kindergarten lead teacher beginning her 24th year in education and her 11th year at Chadwick. Her teaching experience includes kindergarten, first grade, multi-age K–1, and Montessori education. She has taught kindergarten at Chadwick for 10 of her 11 years at the school.

Adriana Estrada is a kindergarten associate teacher with more than 10 years in education and eight years at Chadwick. She holds a multiple subject credential with BCLAD certification and has experience working with English language learners and in special education.

Veronica Whitlock is a kindergarten associate teacher in her sixth year at Chadwick and 11th year in education. She previously taught as a first grade associate and spent five years as a Montessori preschool teacher.

Coming Up Next

Episode 2: Dealing with First-Day Jitters

The team will talk about what children—and parents—may experience on the first day of kindergarten and how families can prepare for the transition.

Credits

Around the Kinder Campfire is recorded on Chadwick School's beautiful 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Theme music: The Chadwick School Core Values Song, written by Jasmine Love, arranged by Charla Gay, orchestrated by Richard Babcock, and performed by Abishai Smith.

Special thanks to Abishai Smith for sound engineering assistance.

Thank you for joining us around the Kinder Campfire.

The Kindergarten team would love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a voice note!