Our kindergarten will continue to instill the values and philosophy of our
Nature Preschool. In addition, we will combine components of the following
to build a day based in exploration, discovery, and community building:
Emergent Curriculum
Using an Emergent curriculum means that the studies of the class are
derived from the interests of the children. The themes that we study are
always relevant to the concrete lives of the students and the immediate
world around us (i.e. the study of weather, insects, trees, etc.).
Inquiry Based Learning
The emergent curriculum is carried out using Inquiry based learning
techniques. This method starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios
rather than simply presenting established facts. Teachers become research
partners with the children; working to answer questions together and
supporting them to ask more questions and delve deeper into a certain
topic. The process is facilitated by the teacher with the goal of building
internal motivation and long-term love of learning. We want children to
ask questions and learn critical thinking skills.
Academic Skill Development
Literacy, writing, math, science, and social studies skills are
strategically integrated into each emergent theme. Certain activities are
intentionally planned in scheduled chunks of the morning, while others
happen organically during "teachable moments" throughout the day. The
classroom set up is also meant to provide open exploration in various
learning centers and the outdoor classroom naturally facilities endless
learning opportunities.
Life Skills Development
These activities or "Specials" are designed to add enrichment to the
school experience while introducing and exposing the students to a variety
of skills. They may depend on the interest of the students, relevance to
learning topics, or skills of the teacher, parents, or other community
members. Possible enrichment activities could include, but are not limited
to, woodworking, sewing/weaving, meditation/yoga, survival techniques,
theater, Spanish, cooking, musical instruments, a variety of art
techniques, and of course- naturalist knowledge!