Play is the highest form of research. -Albert Einstein
The Learning Environments
As you know, colors play a role in emotion, communication, productivity, and learning. While the research is varied it is conclusive; the use of color can have a significant impact on emotion, which can ultimately influence an individual’s ability to learn and play. Over stimulation can be caused by large amounts of bright colors which typically blanket the setting of a "traditional" preschool environment.
Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments were designed and constructed with intention, specifically to meet the needs of young children.
In addition to the pleasing natural color palate, children have access to dramatic play, block building, sensory play, exploring science and math materials, literacy materials like books and writing tools, inviting art areas, large floor spaces, and children are encouraged to co-mingle materials from different centers.
We create the school’s indoor and outdoor environments and program children’s activities in response to each child’s developmental needs, interests, and learning styles. As children grow and their interests evolve and change, so do the materials and activities offered, giving each child the tools, scaffolding, and encouragement to reach his or her own unique potential.
Our beautiful classrooms and outdoor environments were designed and constructed with intention, specifically to meet the needs of young children.
In addition to the pleasing natural color palate, children have access to dramatic play, block building, sensory play, exploring science and math materials, literacy materials like books and writing tools, inviting art areas, large floor spaces, and children are encouraged to co-mingle materials from different centers.
We create the school’s indoor and outdoor environments and program children’s activities in response to each child’s developmental needs, interests, and learning styles. As children grow and their interests evolve and change, so do the materials and activities offered, giving each child the tools, scaffolding, and encouragement to reach his or her own unique potential.
OUTDOOR Our Outdoor Leaning Environment is designed to stimulate a child’s innate curiosity by working in the natural world that surrounds them. Whether by tending the vegetables, plucking fruit from the many fruit trees, pressing petals from the abundance of flowers, sailing on grand adventures in our ship sandbox, creating delicious cakes in our mud kitchen, or having a tea party in the teepee, endless opportunities for exploration abound. As the seasons and the children’s interests and developmental needs change, just like in the indoor classrooms, the outdoor play area will change as well. |
INDOOR The indoor environment is specifically designed with open shelving to allow children to use materials of their choice. The school is sectioned into the reading, writing, science, maths, block, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art room. Children may use materials of their choice in a way that is pleasing to them. Different materials may be combined with others from all over the room. The home's kitchen is utilized for cooking projects and as well as preparation for the organic snacks and lunches. Connection Corner: A camera is set up in the corner for the children to connect with their parents during any part of the day. Children can take a photo of their work, themselves, a note to their parents, or any of the 100 languages they've choose to communicate. That photo will then be emailed to the person or people set to receive the photos. This helps children and families stay connected through the sometimes difficult transition into preschool. |
Assessment
The Purposeful Preschool is strongly committed to authentic assessment of each child in our program. Throughout the year, we will be documenting student's progress from their initial developmental inventory. We continuously conduct further assessments of their development through various observation techniques, documenting their work, listening, and regular review of their ongoing portfolios. Our knowledge of each child helps us to plan appropriately, a challenging curriculum to tailor and meet each child’s strengths, needs, and interests.
Parents may participate in their child’s assessment by voluntarily contributing documentation to portfolios, and through individual meetings to discuss their child’s growth and development, interests, and developmental goals. All information collected is immediately and directly used to help create a tailored and unique approach to the education for each child.
Documentation
Development is measured in terms of what children can do, as opposed to what they cannot do. Each child's progress is documented through photos, audio, videos and the written word. The school's walls feature rotating displays of the children's unique artwork as well as their comments on the subject. At the end of the school year, each family will receive their child's developmental portfolio. These portfolios are filled with anecdotal records, running records, recordings, time samples, frequency counts, developmental checklists as well as their preschooler's artwork, photos, writings, and narrations.