Curriculum
The Creative Curriculum is a research-based approach to learning that utilizes studies as a way to guide our youngest learners as they investigate the world around them. Through project-based learning and play, the children have the opportunity to explore topics of interest and have hands-on experiences while participating in various activities that help them to further their development across all domains. After opening up the school year with the First Six Weeks Study in which they learn about their emotions and their school environment, students will dive deep into investigating a range of topics by participating in some of the following studies throughout the school year based on their personal interests as well as their peers:
- Gardening Study
- Insects Study
- Lights Study
- Music Making Study
- Pets Study
- Rocks
- Trees Study
- Water Study
- Wheels Study
- Bags Study
- Ball Study
- Bread Study
- Brushes Study
- Boxes Study
- Buildings Study
- Containers Study
- Clothes Study
- Exercise Study
*List is not comprehensive; there are more studies available for students to investigate!*
Each study includes various activities and other components that work to guide each student toward reaching the next step in their developmental pathway. The Creative Curriculum also directly aligns with the classroom assessment system used in our program: Teaching Strategies Gold. Having a well aligned curriculum and assessment system allows our teachers to get a close look at each student and capture their current skill levels through exciting, hands-on activities, as well as plan additional experiences that will help address each individual preschooler’s unique learning needs.
Conscious Discipline
Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive classroom management program and a social-emotional curriculum. It is based on brain and child development research as well as developmentally appropriate practices. Conscious Discipline operates on the basis of creating physical and psychological safety for children. Research shows that the brain functions optimally in a safe, stimulating environment. Conscious Discipline has been specifically designed to change adults' attitudes and behaviors first, so they can teach behaviors and skills by example. Example is, by far, the most powerful teaching technique available. Children who observe discrepancies between what is "practiced" and what is "preached" are likely to imitate behavior they see modeled.
Conscious Discipline organizes classrooms around the concept of a school family. Each member of the family - both adult and child - learns the skills needed to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others' needs, and getting along with others. Connections, belonging, and contribution within the school family create cooperation among children. Conscious Discipline builds self esteem by addressing children's universal need to be generous and contributing members of a group. Each child holds a job and is responsible for effective running of the classroom. Conscious Discipline links home and school, as the school family is seen as an extension of the home family. The school family provides the infrastructure in the classroom to handle difficult life events in a child's life, in the community, and in the world.