How long have you been teaching?
I started teaching from 2001-2005. This will be my 19th year teaching.
What considerations do you make when planning curriculum?
I have to know my audience. Some things may look cool online but do not work in the classroom. I like to do units/subjects over a longer period of time (i.e. one month of bugs and nature, one month of spring and colors). I look at curriculum planning as a whole experience with standards in mind (i.e. how to hold a pencil/crayon).
What is your teaching motto?
Have fun everyday! “Childhood is a journey not a race.”
What goes into planning curriculum?
A lot of research and reflection! I look at what I have done before and revise according to the current atmosphere, the age ratio, and the dynamic of the collective group. It is a lot of balancing, exposure, trial and error, and learning together. It is important to learn from mistakes and embrace failure as an important learning tool.
What ages have you taught?
My credential is in early childhood education.
What do you find most rewarding?
The kids! It’s so rewarding when they finally do something that they have had a hard time doing. I love seeing them master and meet the challenge! That’s the best feeling ever!
What do you find most challenging?
Giving the children everything I can so they are prepared for their next school.
If you could change one thing about our education system, what would that be?
Children learn through play so it is important to focus on incorporating play and projects throughout the education system instead of repetitive work.
Teacher Robyn is a passionate and caring pre-school educator. She takes pride in her ability to connect with children, foster their potential, while embracing their individual differences. She has been teaching for over 30 years in the philosophies of Regio Emilio, High Scope, STEAM and Bev Bos. Through the use of language arts, She encourages children to find their voice and express themselves. She teaches with a play based open curriculum, encouraging children to learn through exploring and experiencing their environment. Through hands-on play, art, music, movement, cooking, and science, children have the opportunity to grow into the unique individuals that they are.
Meet Our Leadership Board
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Robyn Kaplan
Director/Teacher
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Nicole Evans
President
president@northhillscoop.com -
Adriana Mendez
Vice President
vice.president@northhillscoop.com -
Nancy Rodas
Secretary
secretary@northhillscoop.com -
Leda Friedman
Treasurer
treasurer@northhillscoop.com -
Katie Koness
Membership - membership@northhillscoop.com
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Nicolette Dhanjee
Fundraising
fundraising@northhillscoop.com -
Ivette Zelaya
Maintenance
maintenance@northhillscoop.com