Curriculum

We believe that our teaching role in children's lives is to be facilitators of learning. Children are natural learners and our job is to let them hypothesize and test the world with as little adult intrusion as possible. We try to structure our time with the kids in such a way that they are able to take their interests as far as they desire. Rather than teaching to the children, we instead encourage them to figure things out on their own and offer guidance only as needed for a fulfilling outcome.

To encourage cognitive development the teachers ask open-ended questions, encourage experimentation and expose the children to a variety of experiences. Children are not compared to each other or to a statistical norm for their age. We meet children where they are in whatever level or stage of development they are at. We believe that all children are unique and wonderful exactly how they are.

Our largest responsibility as teachers is to encourage healthy socialization in our children. We consider the school community and ourselves, to be an important piece in the framework of how children view themselves and the world. The first years are critical in developing children's worldview and we strive to foster healthy and respectful relationships between the child and their peers, adults, and the environment so that will be capable and confident in the world.

 

Nature as Curriculum

We believe children learn best when they are outdoors using all of their senses to integrate the world. Instead of using flash cards to determine what green or yellow is, it is far better to feel the green grass, smell a freshly cut lawn, and gather dandelions in the yard. The freedom of the outdoors allows for new opportunities of imaginative play and learning in our large sandbox, children's herb and vegetable garden, play fort, and supervised wild spaces to go on hikes.
 

Art as Curriculum

Not only is art messy and fun and a great way for kids to connect with each other and their bodies it can also be a powerful tool of expression and learning. Using different mediums like paint, clay, collage and pencils as well as journaling, singing, and movement give children many ways relate how the world occurs for them. Reggio Emilia schools talk about the "hundred languages of childhood" and say that children thrive when they have multiple outlets for self-expression. We couldn't agree more and art materials are available to children at all times and are incorporated in activities throughout our day.