"How do you know that?"
"What does that mean?"
"Can you tell me more?"
"What should we do?"
Presenting these open ended questions does a few things for the children. First, their responses demonstrate their understanding of the situation and their
"How do you know that?"
"What does that mean?"
"Can you tell me more?"
"What should we do?"
Presenting these open ended questions does a few things for the children. First, their responses demonstrate their understanding of the situation and their abilities in the related areas of development. Secondly, it makes the child an integral part to the curriculum, which reinforces their participation. Knowing this, I am able to help children meet the objectives of an activity by doing what the they enjoy. I believe using this method at a young age teaches academic skills, social skills, and how to have fun while loving learning.
800-830 free play
900-915 circle time/story
915-1100 indoor/outdoor free play
1130-200 rest/quiet play
200-230 fine motor focus
300-430 outdoor free play
430-500 music & movement
Following the Reggio Emilia philosophy, activities are child led and play based. This means there is no written curriculum. However, to keep myself organized, I am currently using a checklist to ensure I am providing materials and activities that are continuously stimulating and address multiple areas of development. As my documentation and provocation skills improve, I am planning to fade this out.
Address & Phone Number
Name, Age, & Gender
Predictions & Inference
Compare & Contrast
Recall & Connections
Stencils, Tracing, and Outlines
Writing, Ripping, & Cutting
Lacing & Weaving
Bubble Dance Party
Bubble Dance Party
Each month student will experience classic children's literature in a variety of ways. Reading the books, using artists methods to create art, and reenacting stories during dramatic play all bring the stories to life and foster an appreciation for the arts.
Monthly Author Study
September: Curious George stories by Margaret Ray
October: Leo Leoni
November: Kevin Henkes
December: Jan Brett
January: Bill Martin Jr.& Ezra Jack Keats
February: Tomi dePaola
March: Dr. Suess
April: Eric Carle
May: Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes
June: Virginia Lee Burton & Donald Crews
July: Maurice Sendak
August: Beatrix Potter
Family Involvement Activities
Projects, scavenger hunts, breakfasts, bbqs, and garden parties bring families together and makes the curriculum a part of everyday life. Generally, one "assignment" is done each month and is connected to the current course of study. Research shows that children of parents that are actively involved with their child's education do better overall in school.
Academic skills are accessed through play. You will never see a worksheet or pre-fabricated craft project at GFC. Occasionally we will do a guided activity as a special project, but 99% of the time activities are process based and child led. As each child becomes more proficient with their skills, they will begin to