The best of five great models
Little Explorers Academy combines elements of five complementary teaching models: Montessori, High Scope, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf and Core Knowledge. By using these proven methods together, we create a unique, well-balanced educational program that facilitates early learning and brain development.
In a creative yet structured environment, your child is introduced to numbers, science, French, music, computers, fine motor development, self-care skills and more. Teachers take on the role of the facilitator and encourage children to take the lead in their own learning, expertly guiding your child as they learn to understand the world.
In a creative yet structured environment, your child is introduced to numbers, science, French, music, computers, fine motor development, self-care skills and more. Teachers take on the role of the facilitator and encourage children to take the lead in their own learning, expertly guiding your child as they learn to understand the world.
Montessori
Applicable to all age levels, the Montessori method is based on two main principles: a child’s natural curiosity to learn and their love of gaining new knowledge and skills. Montessori is based on a child’s developmental need for freedom within limits, and a carefully prepared environment that offers exposure to a variety of materials and experiences. Everything a child sees, listens to, feels and tastes contributes to their learning.
In a structured, predictable, disciplined environment, Montessori allows children to make choices and follow through on their own learning. Children complete tasks and meet goals, resulting in a satisfying sense of personal accomplishment. Activities foster their inner security and sense of order. The goals are always to develop self-confidence and build independence – it’s an ideal way to prepare children to take control of their learning as they prepare for the future.
In a structured, predictable, disciplined environment, Montessori allows children to make choices and follow through on their own learning. Children complete tasks and meet goals, resulting in a satisfying sense of personal accomplishment. Activities foster their inner security and sense of order. The goals are always to develop self-confidence and build independence – it’s an ideal way to prepare children to take control of their learning as they prepare for the future.
Through Montessori, children experience:
- Practical life
- Sensorial activities
- Math
- Geography
- Language
- Expression activities
High Scope
High Scope is a hands-on approach that encourages active learning. Starting in infancy, and progressing through the toddler level, children use all of their senses to experience new sights and sounds. High Scope emphasizes problem solving skills to help children increase their confidence as they make choices.
In High Scope, children learn:
- Sense of self
- Social relations
- Creative representations
- Language and literacy
- Movement
- Music
- Seriation
- Numbers
- Space
- Time
Reggio Emilia
This approach focuses on the inclusion of teachers, parents, children and community members. At Little Explorers Academy parents are always welcome to spend time visiting their child as well as bring fun activities to do with the children. Special guests from our community will also be invited to come spend the day learning with the children. These community members could be doctors, librarians, musicians or fitness instructors. This approach to learning is all about building relationships with others while making a connection with the child’s environment. At Little Explorers Academy your child will have the opportunity to learn in a variety of ways through carefully designed programs.
Waldorf
This approach encourages young children from birth to age six live primarily through their senses and learn best through imitation. Striving to be figures worthy of imitation, Waldorf early childhood education nurtures each child’s flowering, providing gentle, yet sensory rich environments and play-based activities that encourage the young child to investigate the natural world, explore social relationships, and expand imaginative capacities. These activities lay crucial foundations for intellectual, emotional, and physical development. Music, dance and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, students cultivate their intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world.
Core Knowledge
Used with children in Preschool, Core Knowledge is a teaching method that emphasizes language development, creativity, group work, sharing and personal responsibility. It sets high expectations for all children, and integrates the teaching of skills and conceptual knowledge in a logical, step-by-step manner.
Literacy comes alive through nursery rhymes, poems, fairy tales and stories. Music, art, movement and drama help children express themselves and reinforce what they have learned. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and take the lead by choosing the materials and experiences they want to use in their learning.
Core Knowledge children are creative, motivated, literate people who enjoy working with others – skills that will be useful to them for the rest of their lives.
Literacy comes alive through nursery rhymes, poems, fairy tales and stories. Music, art, movement and drama help children express themselves and reinforce what they have learned. Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and take the lead by choosing the materials and experiences they want to use in their learning.
Core Knowledge children are creative, motivated, literate people who enjoy working with others – skills that will be useful to them for the rest of their lives.
Through Core Knowledge, children learn:
- Movement and coordination
- Autonomy and social skills
- Orientation in space
- Scientific reasoning
- Music
- Art
