Building Bridges: Our Partnership with Wildwood School

At Big and Tiny 10th Street Preschool, we believe in the power of connection—between children, families, teachers, and the wider community. One of the most special connections we’ve nurtured this year has been our partnership with students from Wildwood School.

Building Meaningful Connections

Throughout the school year, Wildwood students visited our campus regularly to volunteer and engage with our preschoolers. This initiative was part of their community service and learning experience. What started as an opportunity for high school students to earn volunteer hours quickly grew into something deeper. It became a relationship built on trust, learning, and mutual respect.

A Nurturing Environment

This partnership blossomed within the mixed-age, emergent learning environment we cherish. The Wildwood students became familiar faces in our classrooms. They participated in art projects, storytelling, reading circles, dramatic play, and outdoor exploration. While they came to help, they also came to learn. The preschoolers taught them how to slow down, stay curious, and embrace the joy of the present moment.

Our children eagerly anticipated their Wildwood buddies' visits each week. These relationships added a new dimension to our community. Our preschoolers connected with older role models, while our high school partners gained insight into early childhood education. They experienced the wisdom and creativity of young children firsthand.

Mutual Growth and Learning

This reciprocal partnership has been a beautiful example of how learning can flow in both directions. Our preschoolers gained new friendships and experiences. Meanwhile, our high school visitors gained insight, empathy, and meaningful connections. They learned to appreciate different perspectives and developed a greater understanding of the importance of education.

We also witnessed how these interactions enriched the learning experiences for everyone involved. The preschoolers demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and adaptability when engaging with their Wildwood buddies, which helped foster a strong sense of community. This experience is something we cherish deeply.

Celebrating Each Relationship

As we reflect on this year, the bond between our two schools stands out as a highlight. We are so grateful for the energy and care the Wildwood students brought into our space. The memories made through shared laughter, learning, and joy are priceless to us.

Our students learned invaluable social skills through their interactions. They practiced communication and teamwork while forming friendships that extended beyond the classroom. These relationships provided a safe space for both groups to express themselves and be heard.

Through this collaboration, we also observed incredible growth among the Wildwood students. They developed greater empathy as they engaged with our preschoolers. This experience has broadened their perspectives on education and its impact on young lives.

The Future of Our Partnership

It is our hope that this is only the beginning of a tradition that will continue for years to come. We envision a partnership that brings two communities together in shared learning and joy. Each visit from the Wildwood students fosters a spirit of curiosity and excitement among our preschoolers, enhancing their development in meaningful ways.

We also plan to expand this initiative, incorporating more activities that foster collaboration between our students. We want to create more opportunities for them to learn from one another in various settings—both on our campus and at Wildwood School.

In an ever-evolving world, the value of nurturing relationships remains constant. This partnership exemplifies how mutual understanding can pave the way for a brighter future for both our children and the community.

Conclusion

As we continue to embrace the power of connection, we look forward to the future. Our partnership with Wildwood School has enriched our preschool community immensely. It’s a beautiful reminder that when we come together, we can create a positive impact that lasts a lifetime.

The joy of learning is best experienced together. As we look ahead, we are excited to see what new heights our collaboration will reach.

---