Wonder Guides

While lead teachers anchor each classroom, our Wonder Guides offer special experiences in areas like music, mindfulness, and nature. These guides bring their unique passions and training to enrich the curriculum, much like ‘specials’ in older school settings, creating a collaborative environment where children explore, discover, and grow.

Our Three Wonder Guides

• Breath & Belonging Guide (Ms. Carmel): Leads children in mindfulness and self-care practices that nurture emotional awareness and a deep sense of belonging. With the help of puppets like Blue the Whale and Jack the Rabbit, children explore calming breaths, grounding exercises, and gentle routines that teach them how to care for their bodies, minds, and friendships. Shared rituals remind every child that every feeling—and every person—has a valued place in our community.

• Rhythm & Music Guide (Ms. Rayna): Introduces children to the joy of music by exploring real instruments, ‘live’ concert experiences, and playful movement across genres. Children sing, dance, and listen together—sometimes spinning records on a real record player, laughing through games like ‘Pin the Braid on Willie Nelson,’ or discovering Johnny Cash on Sesame Street. Families are invited to join the journey too, with shared playlists and albums on Spotify to keep the rhythm going at home.

• Literacy & Language Guide (Ms. Janet): Sparks curiosity for reading and storytelling through playful, interactive lessons. Children enjoy books, letter hunts, and story sharing, while also singing songs, sounding out words, and finding sounds in nature, play, and artwork. Individual guidance supports each child’s path—whether it’s building early literacy or connecting families with resources for speech support—so every child can celebrate the power of words.

Each Wonder Guide offers their class twice a week, giving children consistent opportunities to grow in mindfulness, music, and literacy while still leaving space for open exploration and child-led play.

Wonder Guide Playlists

Music and rhythm are woven throughout the day at AVP. Each Wonder Guide curates a Spotify playlist connected to their work — from mindfulness songs to blues and folk rhythms to storytelling tunes. Families can listen at home too, keeping the classroom experience alive outside of school. Classrooms also have their own playlists that grow with the children’s interests, helping bridge school and family life through music.

Why “Guide” Instead of Teacher?

Because our work is not about directing children, but about creating spaces where they can wonder, explore, and grow. “Guide” reflects the respect we hold for children as capable learners and the partnership we build with families along the way.