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Our Methods
We focus on the child's interests, much like the Reggio Emilia pedagogy. We observe and then document our findings in order to create invitations (also called provocations) for the children to explore. Each of our explorations is rooted in the seasonal changes that we observe on the farm, which allows us to continually engage in scientific inquiry. We also explore art through process. We focus on the materials and cultivating a creative spirit rather than the product. We focus heavily on play as well as establishing (and maintaining) relationships within our school family. As such, there is a strong focus on positive discipline (what we "can" do rather than what we "can't" do). Nurturing the social-emotional self is the "work" of early childhood! Our teachers work to cultivate compassion in the school community as well as in our interactions with the world around us. We spend quality time outside daily, regardless of the weather. Indeed, the outdoors is a vital part of our classroom!
Below, we've included some links to a variety of articles examining the importance of the methods we incorporate into our daily rhythms.
OUTDOOR PLAY AND NATURE-BASED EDUCATION
Appropriate and meaningful engagement with animals:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1180030.pdf
Importance of outdoor play:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2017/outdoor-play-child-development
Research based standards and guidelines for outdoor environments:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1108430.pdf
Place-based model of education:
https://books.google.com/books?id=oH7TlnMJWqkC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
A framework for social-Emotional development and environmental education:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1120125.pdf
Nature-based education and kindergarten readiness:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1225659.pdf
Nature experience and promoting learning:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00305/full
Nature, outdoor experiences, and human health:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/60068
Importance of appropriate risky outdoor play:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321793826_Outdoor_risky_play_and_healthy_child_development_in_the_shadow_of_the_'risk_society'_A_forest_and_nature_school_perspective
Early childhood environmental education as "connection":
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/9/1/61/htm
Outdoor play:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1108430.pdf
Benefits of connecting children with nature:
https://naturalearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Benefits-of-Connecting-Children-with-Nature_InfoSheet.pdf
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Play-based learning and school success:
http://theconversation.com/play-based-learning-can-set-your-child-up-for-success-at-school-and-beyond-91393
Play and the preschool brain:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2017/case-brain-science-guided-play
Parents should know about play:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/10-things-every-parent-play
Learning through play:
https://www.unicef.org/sites/default/files/2018-12/UNICEF-Lego-Foundation-Learning-through-Play.pdf
Components of play:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/five-essentials-meaningful-play
Pedagogy of play:
http://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Towards%20a%20Pedagogy%20of%20Play.pdf
INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING/EMERGENT CURRICULUM
Emergent Curriculum and Kindergarten Readiness:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237522190_Emergent_Curriculum_and_Kindergarten_Readiness
Science education in emergent curriculum (Reggio Emilia):
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kathy_Trundle/publication/229901424_Understanding_natural_sciences_education_in_a_Regio_Emilia-inspired_school/links/5c3776c0299bf12be3bced53/Understanding-natural-sciences-education-in-a-Regio-Emilia-inspired-school.pdf
Child-led learning through play:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/observing-planning-guiding
CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS
Art-Process vs Product:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/supporting-development-creativity
How Music Supports Math Readiness:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/support-math-readiness-through-music
How Music,Drama, and Dance Help Children Learn:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/apr2016/integrating-music-drama-and-dance-helps-children
Importance of Art in Early Childhood Development:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_art_of_creating_why_art_is_important_for_early_childhood_development
Importance of Art:
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-importance-of-art-in-child-development/
Social and Emotional Benefits of the Arts:
https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/arts-in-early-childhood-dec2015-rev.pdf
MIXED-AGE CLASSROOM
Mixed age classrooms and optimal learning:
https://bingschool.stanford.edu/news/mixed-age-classrooms-provide-optimal-learning-environment
Benefits of mixed-age classrooms:
http://www.uwyo.edu/ecec/_files/documents/multi-age-benefits.pdf
Importance of Mixed-Age Play:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/files/attachments/1195/ajp-age-mixing-published.pdf
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