Growing Minds: Our Learning Approach

📚 A Child-Led Journey: How We Learn
At The Garden, we take an emergent approach to learning, allowing children's curiosity to shape our days. Our classroom is intentionally designed to foster exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking. When children show interest in a topic, we build on it, turning their curiosity into hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed and led by Ms. Alex Stein, an experienced early childhood educator with a background in child development, play-based learning, and holistic education. With a deep understanding of how young children learn best, we create engaging experiences that support cognitive, social-emotional, and creative growth each day.

Exploration & Discovery in Action: 
Project-Based Learning – Long-term explorations sparked by children's interests.
Social-Emotional Growth – Nurturing kindness, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning – Utilizing our natural surroundings for meaningful, hands-on discovery.
Multi-Sensory Learning – Encouraging movement, art, music, and sensory play in all activities.
Field Trips & Community Engagement – Taking learning beyond the classroom through real-world experiences.   

🚀 Beyond the Classroom: Field Trips & Real-World Learning
At The Garden, learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. We believe in immersing children in the world around them, so we take regular field trips to expand their experiences.
Our outings may include:
🌳 Nature Walks & Outdoor Exploration – Observing seasonal changes, collecting natural materials, and engaging in sensory play.
📚 Visits to the Library – Encouraging a love for storytelling and books.
🎭 Theater & Art Experiences – Watching live performances and exploring hands-on art activities.
🌿 Community & Farm Visits – Learning about animals, gardening, and sustainability. These experiences bring learning to life and help children build connections between their studies and the real world.

🕒 Moments of Discovery: Our Day at a Glance
8:00 - 8:45 AM → Drop Off & Free Play
8:45 - 9:15 AM → Bathroom Breaks, Handwashing & Breakfast
9:15 - 9:30 AM → Circle Time & Community Building
9:30 - 10:15 AM → Outdoor Play & Gross Motor Activities
10:15 - 11:15 AM → Learning Center Exploration & Hands-on Projects
11:15 - 11:30 AM → Bathroom Breaks & Morning Snack
11:30 - 11:40 AM → Music & Movement
11:40 - 12:00 PM → Arts/STEM (Creativity & Problem-Solving)
12:00 - 12:30 PM → Free Play and Exploration
12:30 - 1:00 PM → Bathroom Breaks & Lunch
1:00 - 1:30 PM → Storytime & Wind-Down Activities
1:30 - 3:00 PM → Nap/Rest Time (or Quiet Activities)
3:00 - 3:30 PM → Wake-Up, Bathroom Breaks & Snack
3:30 - 4:00 PM → Outdoor Play / Nature Exploration & Pickup Time

*The schedule will be flexible around each child's needs. **Nap/Rest time is not mandatory, but children will be encouraged to rest or engage in quiet activities.   

Why Our Approach Works: 
By allowing children to lead their own learning, we create an environment where: Every child feels valued and heard. Skills develop naturally through meaningful experiences. Confidence and independence grow alongside academic knowledge. A lifelong love of learning is nurtured from the very start.