Children are viewed as competent, independent learners, and are given some control over the direction of their learning through research and exploration.
Our emergent curriculum responds to children's immediate interests. The ideas emerge from the group of children and are then prepared, organized, coordinated and facilitated by the teachers.
When a teacher is "present" or "in tune" with the dynamically-changing classroom vibe, the opportunities for authentic learning are maximized. Our teachers prepare carefully and intentionally, but - with assessments in real time - they can purposely adjust a lesson or take advantage of the teachable moment that arises organically.
"What children learn does not follow as an automatic result from what is taught, rather, it is in large part due to the children’s own doing, as a consequence of their activities and our resources." — Loris Malaguzzi - The Hundred languages of Children