North Routt Preschool Embraces Reggio Emilia Philosophy

1. North Routt PreschoolEmbraces Reggio Emilia Philosophy Join us as we embark on a transformation from a traditional preschool to an emergent curriculum that welcomes nature, community and child development!

2. Why Reggio Emilia? • We recognize that most of the students enrolled in North Routt Preschool attend the North Routt Community Charter School • Reggio Emilia Approach shares many of the same values as the Expeditionary Learning model used at NRCCS • Sharing responsibility for learning process and community involvement central to both models

3. Our Professional Development: • In July 2013, staff members Kerri Ann Crocker, Christa Kline and board member Kira Reynolds attended a 2 day study tour at the Boulder Journey School to learn about the Reggio Emilia approach • Now they are ready to apply what they learned in the context of the North Routt Preschool • More study tours and consultation services are planned for the future

4. The Environment: • Natural materials to replace manmade in much of the classroom • Materials chosen for their aesthetics as well as usefulness • Natural light and plants are incorporated throughout • Community space with library and art studio integral part of program • The Environment viewed as a third teacher

5. Emergent Curriculum: • Teachers observe and document children at play • Projects are developed from these observations • Small group meetings with children help teachers determine direction of projects • Colorado Academic Standards naturally woven into projects and other small group activities throughout the day

6. Community Involvement • Children learn through their relationships • A child’s first and most important relationship is with parents • Relationships with teachers, classmates and community members foster learning • Parents are invited and encouraged to be a part of the process • Community members with special knowledge or skills help direct and develop projects

7. Arts and Language: • Children have a right to express their thoughts, values, theories and emotions • The “hundred languages of children” includes all the ways that children express themselves • High quality art materials and recycled materials encourage expression through art • Music, dramatic play, writing and recording devices lead to other forms of expression • Verbal expression is carefully recorded and regularly reviewed

8. Communication & Documentation: • Observation, documentation and communication is critical to nurturing the thoughts and theories of children • Teachers will document the progress of projects in attractive displays throughout the school • Parents will receive daily communication of the group’s progress starting in the 2013-2014 school year

9. Next Steps: • Changes will be seen in the classroom environment immediately • Observation and documentation has already begun to occur; modes of communication are being developed • Classroom schedule will become more fluid and authentic experiences will replace teacher directed activities • Consultation with the Boulder Journey School will be ongoing through this process

10. Let the transformation begin… This is an exciting time for North Routt Preschool and the North Routt Community! Thank you for your support and your involvement!