Nature As Our Classroom

At Mountain Sprouts Academy we embrace the mountainous landscape as an integral part of our curriculum.  We strive to connect children with the natural world, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment. Through daily outdoor exploration, children are provided opportunities to explore, observe, and connect with the changing seasons and the wonders of the natural world.  We inspire a profound connection to the natural world, encouraging children to become stewards of the environment.

Play-Based Learning

We recognize that play is the vehicle through which children make sense of the world, it is the cornerstone of childhood and has immense educational value. Play is not only a means of expression but also a way to develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and social-emotional intelligence.  Our educators facilitate play experiences and provocations that are both joyful, educational, and based on what is of interest to the child, to help promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth.  Children engage in open-ended activities that encourage self-expression and collaboration with peers.

Child-Centered Learning

We believe that children are natural explorers and learners.  We honor and respect each child’s unique abilities, interests, and curiosity. Our role is to create an environment that invites, questions, encourages inquiry, and celebrates the joy of discovery. We understand that children have their own timelines for growth and learning, and we provide a nurturing space where they can develop at their own pace.

Collaborative Learning

We believe that children learn best when they collaborate with their peers and engage in meaningful projects.  Our classrooms are designed to encourage group exploration, dialogue, and problem solving.  We recognize the importance of involving parents, families, and the broader community in our educational journey.  Collaborative partnerships with parents are encouraged, as we believe that a strong home-school connection enriches the child’s overall learning experience.

The Hundred Languages

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view children as capable of expressing themselves in countless ways.  We provide opportunities for children to communicate and express themselves through art, music, movement, and more.

Inquiry and Reflection

We encourage children to ask questions, investigate their surroundings, and reflect on their experiences.  This process of inquiry and reflection helps children develop critical thinking skills and lifelong love of learning.

Respect and Inclusion

We foster an inclusive and respectful environment where every child, family, and staff member are valued and heard.  We celebrate diversity and teach children the importance of kindness and empathy.

Emergent Curriculum

We embrace the Reggio Emilia philosophy’s commitment to an emergent curriculum.  Our provocations and activities are responsive to the interests and questions of the children.  Teachers and children embark on learning journeys together, co-creating experiences that lead to deep and meaningful discoveries.  Documentation of children’s work and reflections on their learning experiences are central to our approach, as they help guide our curriculum development.

Sustainable Practices

As stewards of the mountain environment, we are committed to sustainable practices. We teach children about conservation and responsible living, encouraging them to be caretakers of the Earth. Our facilities and daily operations reflect our commitment to minimizing our ecological footprint. Our philosophy is a guiding light that leads us on a journey of discovery, exploration, and growth.  We strive to create a nurturing, inspiring, and respectful environment where children can flourish, connecting with the world around them and laying the foundation for a lifetime of joyful learning and environmental stewardship.

Role of the Teacher

The teacher in a Reggio Emilia inspired center has three key roles and responsibilities in the Reggio Emilia approach.  The first is that of facilitator of learning rather than a direct instructor. Teachers create environments for children that foster exploration, curiosity, and inquiry. They observe children closely to identify their interests, questions, and needs and then use the information to guide the learning process. Teachers are seen as collaborators and co-learners with the children. They engage in projects and activities alongside the children and value the idea that everyone in the learning community can contribute knowledge. Teachers bring their own expertise and interests into the classroom to enrich the learning experiences and create interesting and inviting provocations for the children.

Observation, Documentation, and Assessment

Observation, Documentation and Assessment are fundamental aspects of the Reggio Emilia inspired classroom. Teachers observe the children in their care, document what they are seeing and noticing about the children’s learning processes, thoughts, and discoveries using various methods, including photos, videos, and written notes. The documentation is then assessed and used to reflect on and them make the children’s learning visible, both for the children and the adults in the learning community.

Environment Design

Teachers play a crucial role in creating a rich and stimulating learning environment. They organize and design the physical space to encourage exploration, creativity, and interaction with peers and adults. Materials are carefully chosen and arranged to provoke children’s interests and imaginations.

Responsive Planning

Lesson plans are not predetermined, and themes are not chosen by the teacher for the children. Plans are responsive to children’s interests and curiosities. Teachers adapt plans based on the emerging interests and needs of the children. This approach allows flexibility and integration of topics that the children want to learn about.

Communication and Collaboration

Teachers maintain open and ongoing communication with families. They involve parents in the learning process and seek their input as well as their knowledge. They build and foster a strong partnership between home and school. Collaboration with colleagues is also important, as teachers work together to plan, assess, and reflect on their teaching practices.

Nurturer of Curiosity and Critical Thinking

Teachers encourage children to ask questions, explore, and thin critically about the world around them. They value curiosity as a driving force in learning. They support children in finding answers to their questions through research and investigation.

Respect For Children’s Rights

Teachers in a Reggio Emilia inspired centers respect children as competent and capable individuals with rights. They listen to children’s voices and involve them in decision making processes whenever possible.

Environment as the Third Teacher

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, the concept of the environment as the “third teacher” emphasizes the idea that the physical environment in which learning takes place plays a crucial role in a child’s education. This philosophy acknowledges three key “teachers” in a child’s development: the first is the child themselves, the second teacher is the educator, and the third teacher is the physical space and materials within the classroom. The classroom is thought of as a dynamic and interactive learning environment that can inspire and provoke a child’s curiosity, creativity, and exploration. It is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and engaging as well as adaptable to support the diverse needs and interests of the children. In essence, the classroom as the third teacher recognizes that the physical surroundings have a profound impact on children’s learning experiences. By carefully crafting and curating the classroom environment, teachers aim to inspire and support children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and self-directed learning.