ACCELERATES learning for all learners regardless of previous learning experiences and includes:
Playing
choice-based interacting and experimenting within developmentally appropriate, challenging, and engaging scenarios.
Integration
STEAM, The Arts, Literacy, in a transdisciplinary model.
Making
hands-on building, architecting, deconstructing, rebuilding, and tinkering.
Discovery & Inquiry
investigating big ideas (yes, for little people) and creating true meaning, understanding, and enthusiasm.
Learning in Nature-- Nature play is a specific type of play that is:
(a) freely chosen, child-led, and unstructured, but can include some teacher-led activities
(b) it contains interactions with natural elements such as trees, rocks, plants, dirt, and water. Nature play activities are physical, imaginative, sensory-rich, and collaborative. Nature play involves being curious about the surroundings, creative, and solving problems.
Being largely unstructured and child-led, nature play encourages children to explore their emotions and imagination and to develop autonomy and decision-making skills. Nature play provides children with rich sensory experiences and the opportunity to deepen their ecological knowledge. Children are encouraged to overcome minor challenges and risks, which can improve self-confidence and lead to positive emotions such as joy.
Because of the element of risk, some research refers to nature play as 'risky play' or 'adventurous play.' While nature and risky play are sometimes used interchangeably, risky play is used more broadly to describe play involving uncertainty or risk. While there is overlap between the 2, not all nature play is dangerous, and not all risky play takes place in natural settings. Nature play that involves an element of risk can be beneficial for child development and exciting and fun for children.
Interest-Passion Driven Engagement
encouraging students to pursue learning through their own interests, helping them discover their talents, and finding ways for them to shape their worlds and contribute to their families and communities.
Social and Emotional Learning
Integrated intentionally and seamlessly within all learning
Individual and Collective Agency
Empowering young children to become resilient and confident as they shape their lives and their world.