Philosophy & Curriculum
PHILOSOPHY
Little Sparrows does not adhere to a particular dogma or philosophy but rather aims for inspired, research based, best practices teaching methods. This approach provides us the freedom to take inspiration from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Classical education, to name a few. We have a nature based curriculum that reflects the seasons, nature happenings, and children’s interests. Our curriculum throughout the year takes place in units. Units help us have structure and focus to our learning. Art projects, sensory activities, songs, and stories tend to reflect the unit theme. Early literacy and number sense are included in an organic, direct, and developmentally appropriate manner. We create multifaceted learning opportunities inspired by the current learning unit. Intentionally inclusive of varying learning styles and ages. We have daily learning activities as well as longer spanned projects.
CURRICULUM
Little Sparrows does not adhere to a particular dogma or philosophy but rather aims for inspired, research based, best practices teaching methods. This approach provides us the freedom to take inspiration from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Classical education, to name a few. We have a nature based curriculum that reflects the seasons, nature happenings, and children’s interests. Our curriculum throughout the year takes place in units. Units help us have structure and focus to our learning. Art projects, sensory activities, songs, and stories tend to reflect the unit theme. Early literacy and number sense are included in an organic, direct, and developmentally appropriate manner. We create multifaceted learning opportunities inspired by the current learning unit. Intentionally inclusive of varying learning styles and ages. We have daily learning activities as well as longer spanned projects.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL
Learning Positive social emotional development is at the forefront of all we do. Helping the children navigate relationship first with themselves and then with one another is our most important job and we take it seriously. We pay close attention to the child’s emotional and social experience. We strive to provide them with the tools necessary to create and tend to positive relationships. Sometimes this looks like helping a child handle the sadness of saying goodbye to mom and dad in the morning. Sometimes this looks like supporting a child to practice patience. Sometimes this looks like extra cuddles for a teething toddler. Sometimes this looks or discussing how to welcome a new child into our school. This does not mean that your child’s school experience will be without moments of strife. It means that when your child arrives at growth moments; it will happen in a supportive, responsive environment.
MULTI AGE CLASSROOM
Little Sparrows is an intentional multi age classroom. Our enrollment ages span from infant to kindergarten ready. We have found this to be of great benefit to the children. When done right, a multi-age classroom offers many gifts at every stage of development. For example, a unit on colors may include older children practicing fine motor skills by tying rainbow ribbons to a hoop to hang above a baby for their mat time. Or a younger child studying how an older child jumps! An older child taking a moment to read to or play with a younger child can be equally as nurturing and beneficial to both, emotionally and academically. Most importantly, children in a positive, intentional, multi age classroom internalize a positive growth mindset. They are given the opportunity to learn patience, kindness and brevity in the learning process of others while internalizing it for themselves. This lesson is something we hope they will have their whole lives.
NATURE BASED EDUCATION
We spend much of our day outdoors, although we have a fully appointed indoor space. Our hole is that your child will be outside much of the day, nearly every day, playing, exploring, and learning with their classmates. This environment offers the gift of inquiry, practical self-regulation, and the chance to feel one's true capabilities. Not to mention the muddiest of clothes and the rosiest of cheeks! The combination of being primarily outdoors with indoor space available has proven beneficial. Our indoor time allows for rest, a quieter cocooning, a warm dry cozy nest after a long lovely time outside—a balanced recharge. Daily experiences in nature allow young children to understand their part in the natural world. These early experiences in and with nature can help instill a deep connection and sense of stewardship towards ourselves, our community, and our planet. Daily engagement with the outdoors provides vast physical and mental health benefits for young children that last throughout their lifetime. Children whose connection with the natural world is fostered early and often are shown to have improved academic and cognitive strength, the capability to be flexible, adaptive, and a solid fortitude. Qualities that are of great benefit in this ever changing world they will enter.
ANIMALS AT SCHOOL
Little Sparrows on River Road currently has four very friendly cats who mostly live outdoors. We also have a friendly flock of chickens living next door. Historically, our preschool has had dogs, chickens, goats, guinea pigs, bunnies and a pair of ridiculously chatty crows who showed up at every circle time to join in on the songs. Animals have proven to be such an incredible gift for our school community. They provide moments of quiet connection, comic relief, and so much learning! It is our intention to incorporate animals in our preschool setting in the future. If and when we do so, they will be approved by the ECC, families will be notified ahead of time and children will be prepared. If animals are some thing that does not work for your family for whatever reason, Little Sparrows is likely not a good fit.