“I believe children learn best when play, creativity, and children’s inquiries and interests are honored in a beautiful, nurturing environment.”
Marshall Anderson,
FSMN Kindergarten Teacher
Marshall Anderson has led the Kindergarten program for over 25 years. His teaching practice is grounded in progressive education. He is also influenced by the teaching philosophy of The Educational Project of Reggio Emilia: children are capable, curious learners with “one hundred languages” of expression. They are strong, competent, full of potential, and active constructors of their own knowledge.
Learning Through Curiosity and Play
Our Kindergarten program centers on hands-on, inquiry-based learning that honors children’s natural curiosity and joy in discovery. Students develop foundational academic skills through meaningful experiences. They build, create, question, and explore. Literacy, math, science, and social studies are woven into projects and play, helping children make connections and develop a deep understanding of the world around them. They also practice early decoding skills and numeracy in ways that are both integrated and direct – helping all learners build confidence and make meaning of the work.
Belonging and Connection
Students are seen, known, and heard. Marshall and the Kindergarten teaching assistant take time to learn how each student learns and expresses themselves, allowing for individualized guidance and care. These strong relationships foster a sense of belonging and help children develop social skills and empathy within a close-knit classroom community.
A Day in the Life
As part of a typical day in Kindergarten, I might…
have music class outside. 
tell a story to my teacher and draw a picture that represents my story. 
read quietly with friends. 
observe natural objects, describe them, and draw what I see. 
play in the sand table and study cause and effect. 
explore outside and share my discoveries. 
play the dreidel game and practice math at the same time. 
play in the sideyard. 
walk to the community garden and document my findings in my journal.
Learning and Relationships Beyond the Kindergarten Classroom
The sense of awe and wonder with which young children explore their world is of utmost importance. Kindergarteners get outside every day. They spend time exploring and having fun. They also spend time learning, observing, and applying that learning while outside.
Kindergarteners spend time each week with specialists: physical education, Spanish, music, library, and visual art. Our specialists also embrace joy, reflection, and building authentic connection to learning in their disciplines.
Our students learn from each other and develop relationships across age/grade. Kindergarteners have a weekly neighborhood meeting with grades one and two. They each have a fourth grade buddy and the entire school participates in all-school recess on Thursdays. These relationships are incredibly important for both the Kindergartners and the older students and are one of the many strengths of our K-8 program.
Values at the Heart of Learning
Guided by the Quaker S.P.I.C.E.S. values: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equity, stewardship, our Kindergarten emphasizes kindness, reflection, and respect for others. Our Kindergartners learn how to address and work through conflict in a respectful way through our conflict resolution program. They practice listening, problem-solving, and caring for their community. They develop the skills necessary to sit in silence and stillness and reflect. This values-centered foundation helps students grow into confident learners who are beginning to understand their own perspective, the perspectives of others, and their responsibility to one another.
