There was once a time at the lower school when the teachers would decide the theme children would learn about, most often based on the time of year. The lessons were created around this theme and at the month's end it would be over. A new study area would begin the following month. With the older preschoolers we used what is called emergent curriculum. Where teachers are pulling out pieces of information from listening and watching their play to determine the study area. After discussions about why we didn't do this with the infants and young toddlers and how could we do it successfully, we decided it would be the most honorable act towards these children to foster their learning and growing through applying this emergent philosophy.
Now, at the lower school each classroom no matter what the age is submerged into their area of study for a month or more at a time. Teachers are reflecting on the work they see and hear to explore deeper with their children. Being able to learn with one another as well as from one another is a powerful experience. No matter what the age of the child, there is always something one can learn. Often when a teacher sets an invitation out for children, they are surprised at the new ways the kids discover to use the materials or the direction the investigation takes. These are the moments that need to be supported and allowed to grow. It is during this play they are learning skills that will strengthen who they are and what they believe they are capable of in the world.
"What children learn does not follow as an automatic result from what is taught, rather, it is in large part due to the children’s own doing, as a consequence of their activities and our resources. Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond the known."
—Loris Malaguzzi, The Hundred Languages of Children
Now, at the lower school each classroom no matter what the age is submerged into their area of study for a month or more at a time. Teachers are reflecting on the work they see and hear to explore deeper with their children. Being able to learn with one another as well as from one another is a powerful experience. No matter what the age of the child, there is always something one can learn. Often when a teacher sets an invitation out for children, they are surprised at the new ways the kids discover to use the materials or the direction the investigation takes. These are the moments that need to be supported and allowed to grow. It is during this play they are learning skills that will strengthen who they are and what they believe they are capable of in the world.
"What children learn does not follow as an automatic result from what is taught, rather, it is in large part due to the children’s own doing, as a consequence of their activities and our resources. Creativity seems to emerge from multiple experiences, coupled with a well-supported development of personal resources, including a sense of freedom to venture beyond the known."
—Loris Malaguzzi, The Hundred Languages of Children
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