every child's learning experience is unique at knowledge house
Our program encourages self-direction, independence, and responsible freedom in young children.
The Knowledge House, established in 2011 in Port Orchard, Washington is a child-focused classroom that encourages imagination, curiosity, and play. Children in our program, learn through social interaction, hands-on activities & educational materials. The classroom encourages a positive social environment where everyone experiences a sense of belonging and is an equal member of the schoolhouse community.
Our Emergent Curriculum blends elements of Montessori & Reggio Emilia materials, methods, and theory. Preschoolers learn about nature, academics, self-awareness, self-control, and social skills within a nurturing and engaging learning environment.
In the schoolyard, children work and explore the garden, collect leaves, observe the chickens, rake leaves, water plants, hunt for berries, and gather weeds to feed to our rabbit, Burt. When we take nature walks on the school grounds, we slow down and use our senses to see, hear, smell, touch, and think about the world around us.
|
|
Environment is the third teacher
The classroom environment as an important element in early learning. Materials and how they are presented greatly impact the learning process shaping each child's learning journey while encouraging inquisitive play.
At Knowledge House, preschoolers enjoy working independently and cooperatively in a community classroom with other children ages 3 - 6 years old. Each child has a unique learning experience and is allowed to work at their own pace and to work with materials that interest them. Through play, students explore new ideas and relationships which help to enrich learning and build self-confidence.
At Knowledge House, preschoolers enjoy working independently and cooperatively in a community classroom with other children ages 3 - 6 years old. Each child has a unique learning experience and is allowed to work at their own pace and to work with materials that interest them. Through play, students explore new ideas and relationships which help to enrich learning and build self-confidence.
How we blend Montessori and Reggio Emilia
Montessori
- Educational Montessori materials encourage play and learning through doing real life activities and hands-on educational materials.
- A Montessori school is often called a "children's house" because the school belongs to the children. Everything in the school is child sized and prepared to help children succeed and build confidence in their abilities.
- While in school students are encouraged to
- do what they are able to do.
- take care of themselves
- take care of others
Reggio Emilia
- Reggio Emilia classrooms use a variety of natural materials and have an emergent curriculum. Topics that interest the children become the curriculum. A chosen topic can be spread across many areas of class to include academics and arts.
- Open-ended art and play materials are integral to daily activities.
- Children are encouraged to think for themselves, ask questions and practice problem solving skills.
MATERIALS & PLAY
Our materials and activities are hands-on and play centered and provide a variety of experiences for children to learn from. Preschoolers at Knowledge House are allowed to work at their own pace to develop and meet their individual needs while challenging themselves to problem solve and try new things as they are ready.
Outdoor Activities...
We are very fortunate to have outdoor areas that include fruit trees, a garden, chickens and our rabbit, Burt. Children have opportunities to feed the animals, plants seeds, bulbs and seedlings, pick berries, apples, pears, and vegetables from our garden.
"Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire to make him learn things, but to endeavor always to keep burning within him the light which is called intelligence." Maria Montessori
