Meaningful Work and Transformation in our Preschool
In our Hummingbird’s (Preschool) class, we believe that children are capable, empowered, and full of purpose. Every day, they engage in meaningful and helpful work, such as wiping down tables after meals, organizing blocks after playtime, and helping to care for their shared classroom environment. These daily acts aren’t just chores; they’re expressions of community, responsibility, and pride.
This spring, as we observed the life cycle of caterpillars becoming butterflies, we also took time to reflect on the growth and transformation within our classroom community. Just as the caterpillars changed, so have we, growing in independence, confidence, and connection. As we count down the final days of the school year, we talk together about how each of us will return next year “in a new way,” just like the change from caterpillar to butterfly.
In these last weeks, we’ve begun preparing our classroom and outdoor spaces for the next group of learners. Children are helping to take down artwork, scrub toys, and organize materials. One sunny afternoon, this spirit of care extended to the trikes and toy cars, prompting a bold idea: “What if we washed a real car?”
In true Marylhurst fashion, the teachers said, “Yes!” They found a dusty car and invited the children to help clean it, providing clear instructions on how to protect the paint (using only clean sponges). The children set to work with focus, care, and joyful determination. They took the task seriously and had a great time doing real-life work that mattered.
This is the heart of our school: children engaged in authentic, hands-on experiences grounded in a sense of purpose and community. As we wrap up the year, we celebrate not just how much we’ve learned but how much we’ve grown together.
