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KEEPING
THE WONDER
ALIVE IN
THE NEST
Right across the street next to the EC4 Gate of ICS Addis, there is a Nest, the
Little Eagles’ Nest. It is a unique place where our youngest ones, the Early
Childhood Learners, are nurtured in ways that shape their relationships with
their friends, their environment and the outer world. From the first step into
the Nest, one can feel the passion of the educators, believing in the young
learners. “We strongly believe and project our firm trust in the children’s
strength and worthiness,” explains Ms. Laura Jo Evans aka LJ, an EC4
teacher and the EC Coordinator.
For Amanda Rogers, an EC3 teacher, the fact that the Nest is secluded from
the rest of ICS in its own compound is never a problem. “Instead,” cheerfully
explains Amanda, “it has helped the EC have a true feeling of a home away
from home in which our children feel real belongingness as part of a little
family.” In the Nest, the effect of having separate space dedicated to the
growth of the children is evident. Children can run, roll, slide, ride, giggle and
wiggle in their own space with no one invading their spaces and in the great
care of their educators.
The Nest is not only a place to giggle and wiggle but also a place to research
and inquire. “Every year and every day I come to school, I expect to be
surprised by how capable and motivated the children are to inquire, explore
and learn”, adds Laura. The whole EC team recognizes that the foundation
for the long learning journey of each child starts in the Nest. Children learn
to express themselves and value themselves and others in an authentic
environment that feeds their curious, imaginative and honest spirit.
It is out of this inspiration that the team works interconnectedly with the rest
of the ICS community through various inquiry experiences. With such great
things happening in the Nest, the EC team aspires to Keep the Wonder Alive
with the power and potential of young learners.
10
“The Little Eagles
Nest has helped the
EC have a true
feeling of a home
away from home in
which our children
feel real belongingness
as part of a
little family.”
(Laura Jo
Evans, LJ, EC3
Teacher)