Approach to Learning and Instruction
Children’s Day School’s approach to learning is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which originated in northern Italy: learning should be student centered, self-guided, and experiential in relationship-driven environments. According to this educational philosophy, children are viewed as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. Active learning involves the children in the learning process; engaging them in two aspects - doing things and thinking about what they are doing.
The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the principals of respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery and the following ideals:
Emergent Curriculum
Emergent curriculum is a way of teaching and learning that is developmentally appropriate and driven by the child’s interests. As part of Emergent Curriculum, teachers ask question and listen for children’s ideas, hypotheses and theories and carefully observe children’s actions. Teachers plan learning experiences and long-term projects based on their observations of children’s interests and curiosities. Learning experience plans are created every one to two weeks based on a topic of study (selected by teachers and driven by children’s interest). Topics that are of great interest and continued engagement of children may be extended, modified or expounded upon. Learning is seen not as a linear process but as a spiraling progression. We have a flexible day routine that allows children to advance at their own pace and are responsive to the lead of children's learning.
Learning through Play
Play and learning cannot be separated for young children. Unstructured play and exploration is an important part of each day, both inside and outside. We strongly believe that learning happens through play. Learning and exploring are hands-on and are facilitated through interest areas. Our program is designed to enhance children’s development in the following areas: creativity, self-expression, decision-making, problem-solving, responsibility, independence, and reasoning. We encourage openness to that which is different from us, and the ability to work and play with others.
Curriculum Support
Children's Day School has a Curriculum Coordinator who works with educators to ensure high quality curriculum, planning, instruction and learning takes place. The Curriculum Coordinator works with all teachers at both campuses and supports and coaches them in and out of the classroom. He/she also assists with classroom management, addressing developmental or educational concerns, parent engagement, supporting transitions, and supporting observations and assessments.
Children’s Day School’s approach to learning is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which originated in northern Italy: learning should be student centered, self-guided, and experiential in relationship-driven environments. According to this educational philosophy, children are viewed as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge. Active learning involves the children in the learning process; engaging them in two aspects - doing things and thinking about what they are doing.
The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the principals of respect, responsibility and community through exploration and discovery and the following ideals:
- Children must have some control over the direction of their learning.
- Children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving. listening, and observing.
- Children have a relationship with other children and with material items in the world that they must be allowed to explore.
- Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.
Emergent Curriculum
Emergent curriculum is a way of teaching and learning that is developmentally appropriate and driven by the child’s interests. As part of Emergent Curriculum, teachers ask question and listen for children’s ideas, hypotheses and theories and carefully observe children’s actions. Teachers plan learning experiences and long-term projects based on their observations of children’s interests and curiosities. Learning experience plans are created every one to two weeks based on a topic of study (selected by teachers and driven by children’s interest). Topics that are of great interest and continued engagement of children may be extended, modified or expounded upon. Learning is seen not as a linear process but as a spiraling progression. We have a flexible day routine that allows children to advance at their own pace and are responsive to the lead of children's learning.
Learning through Play
Play and learning cannot be separated for young children. Unstructured play and exploration is an important part of each day, both inside and outside. We strongly believe that learning happens through play. Learning and exploring are hands-on and are facilitated through interest areas. Our program is designed to enhance children’s development in the following areas: creativity, self-expression, decision-making, problem-solving, responsibility, independence, and reasoning. We encourage openness to that which is different from us, and the ability to work and play with others.
Curriculum Support
Children's Day School has a Curriculum Coordinator who works with educators to ensure high quality curriculum, planning, instruction and learning takes place. The Curriculum Coordinator works with all teachers at both campuses and supports and coaches them in and out of the classroom. He/she also assists with classroom management, addressing developmental or educational concerns, parent engagement, supporting transitions, and supporting observations and assessments.
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Explore our infant curriculum.
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Explore our toddler curriculum.
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Explore our preschool curriculum.
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