A New Neighbor

Experiential School students in Mrs. Summers' JK class started the year with an empty dollhouse and a big question: Who would move in?

The children began guessing, and their curiosity was soon rewarded. Each day brought a clue — a tiny suitcase, footprints, bits of food — and every morning they rushed to see what had appeared overnight.

Excitement grew. Children began writing letters to their new friend and building things to help her settle in. Small groups worked together to design and craft items to make the house more comfortable. "One child noticed that there was no ladder to the top floor of the house," Mrs. Summers shared. "Thus began the great ladder challenge. Using various materials, children worked to create different ways for Annabelle to climb."

Finally, the big reveal arrived: their new neighbor was a mouse named Annabelle. The dollhouse has officially become the Mouse House!

To celebrate, and as part of a thinking routine called Draw - See - Draw Again, children worked in small groups to draw Annabelle. 

The story isn't over. New characters and items will continue appearing, including handmade wooden pieces carved by Mrs. Hollenbeck. The plan is to keep adding surprises slowly all year, so curiosity — and careful care of the house — keeps growing.