Look closely –there are moose cooking in the play kitchen, taking a rest on the beanbag, playing around on the playground, staying out of the way on the painting table.
Kindergarteners at the Pond share many experiences with their Max the Moose stuffies. “Max is woven into our social and emotional learning curriculum,” said special education teacher Helen Bock, who co-teaches with Jackie Kovatch. “He helps ensure a sense of security for our youngest students, as well as express their feelings and build empathy.”
She explained that each kindergartener received a Max the Moose stuffie when they visited the Pond the previous May. “Max joins them on the first day of school and then all the Maxes stay in the classroom, where students can give them a quick squeeze or hug if needed during the day,” said Bock. “Max takes part in our Learning Centers at the end of the day and can be found building, drawing, or riding trains along with our kiddos!”
Over the course of the year, as students’ independence grows, the Maxes may sit more on the shelves—still part of the classroom community, and with their job of nurturing kindergarteners’ confidence well underway.