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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
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Importance of outdoor play:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2017/outdoor-play-child-development
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Research based standards and guidelines for outdoor environments:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1108430.pdf
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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
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A framework for social-Emotional development and environmental education:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1120125.pdf
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Nature-based education and kindergarten readiness:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1225659.pdf
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Nature experience and promoting learning:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00305/full
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Nature, outdoor experiences, and human health:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/60068
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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
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Early childhood environmental education as "connection":
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7102/9/1/61/htm
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Outdoor play:
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1108430.pdf
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Benefits of connecting children with nature:
https://naturalearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Benefits-of-Connecting-Children-with-Nature_InfoSheet.pdf
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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
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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
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Pedagogy of play:
http://pz.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Towards%20a%20Pedagogy%20of%20Play.pdf
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INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING/EMERGENT CURRICULUM
Emergent Curriculum and Kindergarten Readiness:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237522190_Emergent_Curriculum_and_Kindergarten_Readiness
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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
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Child-led learning through play:
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/mar2018/observing-planning-guiding
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CREATIVITY AND THE ARTS
Art-Process vs Product:
https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/supporting-development-creativity
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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
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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
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MIXED-AGE CLASSROOM
Mixed age classrooms and optimal learning:
https://bingschool.stanford.edu/news/mixed-age-classrooms-provide-optimal-learning-environment
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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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