Room 9

    Ms. Finkelstein                       Ms. Nadine

    313-593-5424                               313-593-5424

The classroom follows the educational philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach.  The curriculum focuses on child-centered, long-term investigations that follow developmentally appropriate practice and engage both the children and the adult teachers.  These investigations are cross-curricular in scope, and facilitate the development of math, language, literacy, art, science, and social skills. 

Each day contains opportunities for both large and small group activities, including a nutritional snack provided by the center.  Group activities include songs, reading stories, discussing the progress of long-term projects, and raising questions.  Small group activities occur primarily during constructive play exploration time, where children are invited to explore materials, engage in activities based on their interests, and continue their investigations.  Teachers are intentional in planning these activities and materials to extend learning over the course of time. 

Children are encouraged to engage with both children and adults within their environment, as teachers work to create a collaborative environment where all can interact in a warm and caring way.  Learn more about the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

Overview of the Daily Schedule:

Snack:  We provide a nutritious morning and afternoon snack for the children. Snack consists of a fruit or vegetable and dairy or a protein. This is not a substitute for breakfast. Please make sure your child is eating breakfast before they arrive at school.  

Clean Up:  Adults and children clean up together. Adults model how to clean areas and materials. Children are supported as they learn where items are located in the room. As the school year progresses, children are able to do this with greater independence.  

Reflection/Recall:  During reflection time, we gather the children to quickly discuss the investigation outcomes and any thoughts and/or new ideas they may have to extend the ongoing investigations. Each child is given the opportunity to speak about their thoughts and experiences they had throughout the day.  

Small Groups:  Small groups last approximately 15 minutes. It is a time during the daily schedule when a teacher can work with 6 to 8 children on a specific concept like alphabet recognition, rhyming words or patterning. The group will be consistent: children remain with the same teacher and children for the semester.  

Interactive Read Aloud:  To increase children’s literacy development so all children will be reading at grade level by third grade, The Michigan Department of Education expects every child in every classroom to engage in the Essential Practices in Early Literacy daily. Two read aloud book times are required each day. One read aloud with reference to print and one read aloud with a focus on vocabulary and comprehension will be implemented as part of the daily routine.  

Outside-Gross Motor Time:  We spend time outside in the morning and afternoon sessions every day, weather permitting. The children are able to strengthen their large muscle skills, socialization skills and develop cooperation skills. All children and their teachers will go outside together. As a center we will always go outside if the temperature is above 20 degrees and under 90 degrees. To stay in ratio we are unable to have a child stay inside if they are not well – please make sure your child is well enough for all parts of our day together.   

Lunch:  The ECEC has contracted with Edible Rex to provide hot lunches for the GSRP children. Children eat together in groups with the adults, serving themselves and passing items to each other. The family style meal promotes nutrition/health, social skills, relationships, and autonomy. Children are encouraged to try new foods they see their peers and teachers eating. Our school lunches are nut-free and Halal and adhere to guidelines set by the USDA, the standards required by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The monthly lunch menu is posted in the classroom.