Our Program
We are a Reggio-Emilia inspired-holistic approach preschool program with an emphasis on play-based learning and focused on a child’s whole self. Our program follows the principles of the Early Learning Child Care Act. Our environment is safe, inclusive, and filled with fun! In addition to our regular program, children participate in daily physical activity, music and Spanish language exposure. We believe in the power of play and how it benefits children's development. Play is how children learn about the world, themselves and each other. Through play, children build social, emotional, physical, personal, intellectual and cognitive skills for their wellbeing. Our play-based learning activities give children a sense of their own abilities and encourage children to grow their imagination and creativity. Our program fosters cognitive growth, delivers emotional and behavioral benefits. Through play, children's literacy, independence and physical fitness are improved.
As children play, they learn to solve problems, to get along with others and to develop the fine and gross motor skills needed to prepare them for kindergarten. Our space invites children to wonder, discover, make choices, experience and, most importantly, learn through play. Learning is hands-on, child-led, and deeply engaging. We offer exciting and stimulating opportunities for children to grow in an environment that values full participation, self-determination and a belief in the unlimited potential of the child. We support our preschoolers in their learning and preparation for Kindergarten.
Our curriculum is designed for and with the children that we are in relationship with. Every year we connect with our community, the materials and each other.
Our space invites children to wonder, discover, make choices, experience and, most importantly, learn through play.
The Reggio Approach
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them. Educational, psychological, and sociological influences are important factors to consider in understanding children and working to stimulate learning in appropriate ways. Reggio teachers employ strategies such as exposing children to a wide variety of educational opportunities that encourage self-expression, communication, logical thinking, and problem-solving.
3 Key Reggio Emilia Approach Principles:
The Child
Children are invited to pursue their own interest, revisit and build upon ideas at their own pace. The Reggio Emilia approach encourages children to use every tool they have to express themselves. It recognizes children are unique individuals that have multiple ways of thinking, playing, exploring, speaking and doing.
The Environment
The Reggio-inspired classroom, often referred to as ‘the third teacher’, is one that is open and free-flowing. It allows uninterrupted exploration, play and learning. The learning environment is carefully thought and planned in order to support the needs, interests, and learning of the children in the classroom.
The Teacher
The role of the teacher is to provide mindful experiences for children to explore in their own way, to make mistakes and find solutions. Through observations, documentation, brainstorming, flexibility and patience, teachers are able to plan and implement an emergent curriculum that supports children’s play and interests.
Spanish Language Exposure
At Greenfield Playschool all instruction is provided in English and children are under no pressure to speak Spanish. However, we are fortunate to have a native Spanish speaker in the classroom and our students have loved learning numbers, songs, colours, and more in Spanish.
Children learning a second language from a young age benefit tremendously. Children’s brains are able to soak in a foreign language at an impressive rate and learning a second language has many cognitive benefits including:
better problem-solving skills
better critical thinking skills
more creativity
better flexibility of mind
enhanced memory
better multitasking abilities
Daily Music and Movement
There is an emphasis on daily music and movement activities and education at Greenfield Playschool.
Children are invited to daily active games that encourage skipping, jumping, climbing, running, and breathing exercises.
Children are encouraged to reflect on the importance of daily movement, to share their ideas with the class, to move our bodies while being mindful when risk-taking. Our intention is that children learn to enjoy music and movement through play experiences.
Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. Dancing to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-expression. Music helps strengthen memory skills.