Children learn by doing. Active learning is accomplished by designing learning environments that invite children to explore. They offer a variety of interesting areas that have equipment and activities that invite standard-based learning to occur on the child's terms. Creativity and complex thinking skills are encouraged when teachers ask open-ended questions that prompt conversations that build on learning concepts. Active learning balances spontaneous play with intentionally-planned activities and classroom enhancements, allowing children to interact in small and large groups, as well as work independently. Children aren't "just playing" in our active learning program; they investigate, measure, dance, jump, sing, draw, read, help, dig, pray, write and laugh.
Our active learning program is influenced by the following research-based early education pioneers:
Lev Vygotsky, Magda Gerber, Abraham Maslow, and Maria Montessori. Our teachers find inspiration and guidance to implement stimulating active learning with training from contemporary early learning advocates for play-based learning Lisa Murphy, the Ooey Gooey Lady, and Jeff A. Johnson.
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