Our Curriculum
The Reggio Emilia approach to education emphasizes child-directed learning, and is based on the following principles:
Emergent curriculum - An emergent curriculum is one that builds upon the interests of children. Topics for study are captured from the talk of children, through community or family events, and through the known interests of children.
Project work - Projects, also emergent, are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas, and interests which arise within the group. Throughout a project, teachers help children make decisions about the direction of study, and ways in which the group will research the topic.
Representational development - Consistent with Howard Gardner's notion of schooling for multiple intelligences, the Reggio Emilia approach calls for the integration of the graphic arts as tools for cognitive, linguistic, and social development.
Collaboration - Children are encouraged to dialogue, critique, compare, negotiate, hypothesize, and problem-solve through group work. Multiple perspectives promote both a sense of group membership and the uniqueness of self.
Teachers as researchers - Working as co-teachers, the role of the teacher is first and foremost to be that of a learner alongside the children. Teachers are committed to reflection about their own teaching and learning.
Environment - Considered the "third teacher," classroom environments encourage creativity and confidence, and are arranged for active and independent participation by the children where they can generate their own ideas. Common space available to all children in the school includes dramatic play areas and worktables for children from different classrooms to come together.
Our Preschool Program
Our preschool program, based in the Reggio Emilia method of teaching, reaffirms a sense of self, promotes positive attitudes towards learning, and helps build skills in the use of language, problem solving and peaceful conflict resolution.
Our day is balanced to provide social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth opportunities.
We embrace and encourage the natural curiosity of young children as we strive to discover and enhance the potential in every child.
If you have questions about our classrooms or our approach to preschool education, please stop by, call or email. We'd love to talk with you.
Learning Centers
Children's activities at EELC are built around organized "learning centers," where they can explore different elements of preschool curricula. Children are encouraged to learn and explore possibilities in the following areas:
- Large Outdoor Play Area
- Computer Center
- Puzzles and Manipulatives
- Writing Center
- Art Center
- Sensory Materials and Potting Bench
- Library
- Block Play
- Woodworking
- Dramatic Play and Music
- Large Motor Development
Learning Centers are designed to foster creativity and confidence, and are arranged for active and independent participation by children, where they can generate their own ideas.