Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is a student-centered curriculum, which keeps flexibility at the forefront. We strive to respond to the ever-changing needs of our students and families and stay up to date and incorporate current best-practices in early childhood education.
We mainly use a Reggio-inspired curriculum.
In a Reggio classroom, children:
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Learn through a cooperative, inquiry-based curriculum with units based on the children's interests
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Are encouraged to explore and play through inquiries and provocations.
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Use many different methods to express their thoughts, creativity and understanding (art, pretend-play, drama, music, movement, dance, sculpture, painting, sorting, loose parts exploration, nature exploration)
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Learn in a play-based setting
In a Reggio-inspired classroom, teachers:
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interweave teachings of core subject areas in addition to social-emotional teachings into play-based, student-interest response units
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Document student learning and observations through pictures, videos, dictations and written observations
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Respond and adapt to student engagement, interests, and needs
Reggio-inspired Resources:
Documentation and Communication
The Preschool Podcast: The Reggio Emilia Approach
Although Reggio Emilia is our biggest inspiration, we are inspired by other educational practices. Some themes and practices from other programs that we utilize in our program include:
Waldorf:
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Learning is experienced.
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Children are given ample time and space to explore the world on their own terms.
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Competition and rewards are not used as a central approach to learning.
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Many wooden toys and natural materials are used in the indoor and outdoor classrooms.
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Technology is not present in the children's daily schedule (However, we may access technology to expand our learning within a unit.)
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Children participate in an “all weather” outdoor time (except in dangerous weather conditions).
Montessori:
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A thoughtfully prepared environment (aesthetically pleasing) exists.
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The environment and many materials chosen for learning and play allow children the opportunity to self-guide their learning.
Progressive Education:
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Children learn by doing rather than listening or watching.
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Learning is personalized to account for individual goals and readiness.
Finland’s Education system:
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Children and teachers take breaks when needed to retain alertness and effectiveness.
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Children learn through discovery play.
We strive to keep our classroom environment simple, yet structured to elicit curiosity. Activities are thoughtfully created to allow students to learn through hands-on discovery.
We also teach our students the importance of quiet awake and relaxation time through age-appropriate yoga and meditation practices.