The Early School was transformed into a marvelous showcase of student learning on Thursday, as the 7th annual WOW Night brought families to St. Margaret’s for a celebration of the meaningful play-based learning that took place throughout the school year. 

Families are invited to WOW, or Works of Wonder, an annual event in the Early School for an opportunity to see student work and student-led projects. Families visited classrooms, the atelier (art studio), the Demonstration Lab and the Outdoor Classroom.

“Children’s learning unfolds through inquiry, play, and collaboration and WOW Night serves as a powerful tool to make children’s learning visible, showcasing how they synthesize their knowledge and ideas,” said Early School Director Dr. Cris Lozon. This child-centered approach lies at the core of educational philosophy, evident in the documentation showcased in each classroom and Outdoor Classroom. The documentation not only makes the children’s learning visible to others but also empowers the children to take ownership of their learning journey.

Dr. Lozon emphasized the valuable influence Early School students had preparing for WOW night, “The WOW exhibit was not just a display of learning but a creation shaped by the children’s ideas. Through their voices and contributions, they built, curated, and defined the landscape, making their perspective an essential part of the experience.” The  Early School students also  practiced their docent skills with their peers. Then,  later in the morning they practiced again with the professional community. By the evening they were well prepared for their families. 

The displays in each classroom differ and represent various academic disciplines, encompassing math, literacy, as well as engineering and scientific thinking. Students moved excitedly between classrooms with their families, eager to show off the wondrous learning that took place during the year. With community and fellowship, attendees enjoyed food and refreshments, reconnecting with families and interacting with the Early School’s expert faculty.

 St. Margaret’s Early School is a play- and researched-based academic program with roots in constructivist teaching and the renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. Reggio Emilia schools have a design of openness to community and a willingness to share ideas, which inspired the first WOW Night in 2019.