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Teaching and learning philosophies
Environment and Structure
Esperanza offers children the opportunity to
build, create and explore with learning materials in our home-like
classrooms and expansive outdoor environments. This is possible as a
result of a consistent daily schedule as well as well thought out and
thematic lesson plans. We express clear expectations, provide guidance and
encouragement as needed.
A Child’s Society
While academics are the basis for most
activities, we consider it our responsibility to provide children with a
strong foundation and opportunity for socialization among peers and
adults. Our daily circle times encourage group and individual
participation embedding a child’s role in this setting. We encourage
children to problem solve, ‘use their words’ and practice empathetic
behaviors until these tools are firmly in place in their life-skills
toolboxes.
We do not teach or require children to share,
rather we teach and encourage taking turns and using turn-taking language
when they are able. Each classroom is enriched with numerous “centers” for
learning and younger children are allowed to fully explore their center
without the interference of other children. As the children get older they
are taught to ask, “May I join you?” or, “When you are finished, may I
have a turn?” This encourages respect for peers as well as self-management
and language skills.
Following Their Lead
We trust children to have a perfect response to
any given stimulation understanding that their response is based upon
their perception and their “filters”. It is our goal to understand those
perceptions and to change the stimulus rather than attempting to change
the child.
Learning to Learn
We study the process of learning to learn. Jean
Piaget considered it a responsibility to teach the “true inventors of our
world.” We believe “mistakes” are products of high-level thinking and an
instrument for learning.
Building Self Esteem for the Future
We encourage a child’s introspection to find true
pride in their work rather than blind praise from an adult. The ability of
a child to look inside and decide if it was their best effort or if a work
of art is truly beautiful is ultimately more important than always needing
acknowledgement and affirmation from an outside source
We
invite you to read about other
Esperanza philosophies that are also essential elements in education.
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