09/18/2025
I’m back at it, teaching K & 1 weekly science classes at Tilden School (West Seattle)
For our first meeting, we focused on the three insect body parts: Head, Thorax, Abdomen! If you know my classes, you just heard me sing that, lol.
A *huge* part of my teaching revolves around creating an exceptionally enjoyable learning environment. It’s been the singular focus of my life, my magnum opus: “The role of the environment in an individual’s behavioral development” (see my research on training flies).
So I sing and tell great stories about insects but that’s all the Trojan horse. Most importantly: I take my learners completely seriously, listening with fervor and expressing my authentic joy at their ideas. I was *so lucky* as a graduate student to be treated that way by my great advisor, Dave. It sure grows our confidence to be genuinely heard, and confidence is a foundation for kindness, cooperation, and big thinking. All things I want in my community and culture.
So for our first lab sesh, these sweet kids made three custom body parts (scissors and paper, yo) to create their own insect. I encourage imagination, personal style, and fully diving into your idea. Shooey, what a wonderful menagerie, and do I ever get to hear fantastic ideas, wowow. There was an ice cube bug, a whole Minecraft scene, a fantastic mantis, and a fire-breathing long-antennaed ladybug. I wish I could include the beautiful faces of these learners, so focused and proud. It is a real gift to experience such joyful intellect.
Stay tuned.
Love you.
