ECLC Kindergarten

NEW for the 2021-2022 Schoolyear!

The ECLC Kindergarten program incorporates Virginia State Standards of Learning utilizing a Reggio Emilia inspired and project-based learning philosophy. The Reggio Emilia inspired approach informs the way we teach, while the Virginia State Standards of Learning guide what we teach. A negotiated curriculum is implemented that encourages children to work alongside their teacher to create their own knowledge and understandings, based on specific topics and areas of study. Children will focus on literacy, mathematics, science and social studies as well as music, the arts and physical fitness.

At the ECLC, the children use their “many languages” to express their learning during classroom activities. Work products may be in the form of written work, drawings and other modes of visual expression, videos, oral communication; all done either individually or in small groups. The environment of the classroom is set up for children to learn in a productive and collaborative manner, with flexible seating arrangements and spaces arranged for individual, small group and whole group learning. Shared surfaces, tables and other work areas replace traditional desks.

The educators in the ECLC Kindergarten work alongside the children in the learning environment, versus overseeing it. The teacher's role as partner with the children in learning includes posing questions and prompts to spark ideas and critical thought and then, engaging in reflective discussions aimed at discovery and learning of new concepts.

A sample day in Kindergarten may look similar to the following:

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