Parent Guide to Progressive Education in Early Childhood

Parent Guide to Progressive Education

Incredible things happen when children love to learn.

calhoun.org

Education for the Way

I am Three

We are Four

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• We are active, curious and adventurous, with lots of physical and mental energy.

I have A LOT of questions.

• I rely on understanding teachers to pay attention to my feelings and needs.

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When I move, explore and engage my senses, I make important connections that help me become a complex thinker.

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I’m curious and eager to discover the world around me.

My play helps me make sense of the world around me. It also helps me develop a love of learning.

• We want to do more things for ourselves but still need the support of our teachers.

• We love being with friends. We have a sense of wonder about our world.

• We are learning how to behave through modeling and practice.

Let us explore, investigate and play!

That’s the best way for us to absorb information and spark our desire to learn more.

What to look for in a 3’s program

What to look for in a 4’s program

• Children joyfully engaged in their work and play

• Opportunities for frequent physical movement and creative expression

• A wide range of materials and activities to provoke exploration • Opportunities for play and discovery • Experienced teachers who create a loving and supportive environment

• Sophisticated and creative use of classroom materials • Classroom structure that incorporates opportunities for responsibilities, routines and supported autonomy

Children Think

Because I’m Five

When I’m Six & Seven

• I’m learning to organize and take responsibility for myself.

• I’m ambitious and ready for lots of work.

I love new ideas and asking questions.

• I want time to choose activities, learn to negotiate and compromise.

• I am able to see other viewpoints and understand reasons for rules.

• I understand that I am a member of a community.

• I am becoming aware of the broader community around me.

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• I appreciate encouragement and support from my teachers.

Friendships are important to me.

• I want to feel successful in my work and my relationships.

If you really want to challenge me, don’t ask me what I know. Ask me what I want to find out.

The hands-on learning I do today builds the complex thinking and problem-solving I need for tomorrow.

What to look for in a kindergarten program

What to look for in 1st and 2nd grade programs

• Individual investigations and collaborative work

• Experiential learning and extended project work in and out of the classroom

• Dedicated time for children’s choice and pursuit of interests • Documentation and display of each child’s engagement with the curriculum • Opportunities for student autonomy at school • Evidence of inquiry-based learning • Articulation and expression of community values

• Ample opportunities for challenges and skill development • Classroom culture that encourages the sharing of ideas, viewpoints, inquiry and individual student input • Experienced teachers able to dedicate personal time and attention to each student

Incredible Things Happen at Calhoun because…

• We learn through inquiry, meaningful experiences and reflection.

At Calhoun, students gain skills and understanding through hands-on experiences and structured opportunities for exploration. Our curriculum encourages students to connect their prior knowledge to new discoveries and information.

• Children are encouraged to take risks. Students feel empowered to question, explore and take appropriate risks, both academically and socially. In that way, each individual’s learning is a journey shaped by curiosity.

• Teachers have the freedom to take a detour. The value of student voice is embedded in Calhoun’s curriculum. When students have the opportunity to help construct in-depth studies, such as “How a Restaurant Works” or “How to Build a Skyscraper,” they become deeply invested in the curriculum, persevere through challenges, strive for accomplishment and reach a deep understanding of subject matter.

• We deepen our learning by exploring our differences. Calhoun is committed to filling our classrooms with the voices of a culturally rich community. Our perspective broadens and our thinking deepens when we embrace a diverse range of experiences and points of view.

• Relationships are at the core of everything. At Calhoun, children feel safe and secure because of their relationships with warm, nurturing teachers. This sense of comfort and security allows children to ask questions, take risks, pursue passions and be their authentic selves at school. This core value extends to all relationships within the rich tapestry of the Calhoun community, from preschool through 12th grade.

160 West 74th Street

Incredible things happen when children love to learn.

Preschool – 12th Grade calhoun.org