Building Blocks Philosophy
We believe that an atmosphere of mutual respect that gives the children a sense of security and self-worth is necessary before any learning and growth can take place. Our program will offer opportunities for children to set challenges, test themselves, and find success in all aspects of their lives.
Our program is designed to meet the developmental needs of each child. We offer varied activities that encourage growth in all areas such as language development, fine and large motor skills, creative expression, social and emotional development, sensory-motor development, and cognitive development. We believe that children and adults learn best through active, hands-on discovery. We also believe that play is the child’s best medium – the way they make sense and learn about their complex world.
The program incorporates free play along with teacher/parent designed and guided activities. During much of the day, particularly in the TTh program, each child will be able to choose freely what s/he wishes to do and have an adult to encourage and assist as needed; but the children will be responsible for what is selected and how they use their time. In the MWF program, children will be expected to explore varied activities in small groups, developing a readiness for kindergarten activity structure. In both programs there will also be regular opportunity for both small and large group activities.
Our goal is to stimulate the children's natural curiosity, help them learn to interact with others, assist them in effectively expressing themselves, and encourage them to try new experiences. This will provide them with tools to use in everyday life as well as for their future "formal" education. The heart of our program consists of truly listening to both children and adults. By doing so, we encourage their thinking, creativity, and growth. The flow of teaching and learning is mutual and dynamic.
Our program philosophy is implemented through both planned activities and a method termed “Emergent Curriculum.” Emergent Curriculum is an approach that allows learning opportunities and activities to arise out of each child’s interests, actions, or serendipitous events. In the context of this approach, everything in the world is curriculum for young children, and children are active learners modifying and expanding existing curriculum. To carry out this approach, adults engage in an ongoing process of planning, observing, analyzing, and evaluating children’s ideas, needs, interests, and activities. The curriculum is full and rich with what is important to children in their lives.
The most important part of the Adult Education program is parent’s participation. After experiencing and observing the varied ways of learning among both adults and children, families often are able to draw upon different skills in their interactions at home. In addition to the enrichment gained through observing and participating in the children’s daily routine, the adult student’s awareness grows through daily seminar time, group meetings, and other active participation in the school’s functioning. Our hope is that this varied approach to adult education will increase both the parent’s and the child’s understanding and enjoyment of each other.
