Room 7

     Ms. Fennessey                        Ms. Lileyna

     313-593-5424                              313-593-5424

Classroom curriculum is based on the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, which focuses on child-centered, long-term investigations that are developed collaboratively between teachers and children. Project investigations may last a few weeks or cover an entire semester and integrate literacy, math, science and social studies into the daily activities that children explore. Activities also develop language, small and gross motor skills, as well as critical thinking and social skills.

Our current investigation is an exploration of pathways and mazes. The children are very interested in creating complex designs, both individually and as part of a group. They have been creating a large scale maze on the floor in the classroom. After testing out the maze, the children decided that it needed to be harder. They decided to develop several “dead ends” throughout the maze, along with multiple ways to exit the maze. The children continued to revise their ideas by drawing plans and discussing problems or challenges during our meeting time. When the children felt that the maze was complete, we wrote a group letter inviting children from another class to try out the maze. Now, the children are beginning to explore the differences between mazes and labyrinths.

A typical class session will include a variety of large and small group activities. Our day begins with a morning or afternoon meeting where we gather as a large group and discuss plans for the day. We also use this time to discuss ongoing project investigations, read stories or discuss current events. During constructive play time, the children are engaged in activities based on their interests and our current long term investigation and move freely among activities, such as art or sensory explorations, block play, creative play (dramatic play, retelling stories using props), writing and drawing activities and activities planned by university students. A nutritional snack is provided at this time during both morning and afternoon sessions. We also encourage the children to have outdoor experiences as much as possible. We plan outdoor activities during constructive play time when the weather cooperates and the children have daily free play opportunities outdoor at the end of the morning and afternoon sessions.

Overview of the Daily Schedule:

Self-Initiated Activities

This is a portion of the day where children choose what and where they would like to play. Self-Initiated play usually occurs between 8:00-9:30am. 

Group Time 

Group time is the portion of the day where children gather together on the carpet. The teacher presents a new concept, reads and discusses a book, reflects on a previous experience or the children engage in an interactive activity. Our group time has a fairly consistent routine. We begin with a few songs, complete the group activity that the teacher or intern has planned and introduce the activities for the day. 

Constructive Exploration Time

These are experiences are planned by the teacher or the intern based on interests and thoughts of the children. They may include content area curriculum, such as literacy or math and often involve problem solving, critical thinking, observation skills, and language. Some activities that you might see in the classroom are:

• Material explorations
• Exploring science materials
• Painting using a variety of media & materials 
• Retelling familiar stories with props
• Observation and documentation of natural materials and phenomena

Journals 

During journals the children will work on their pencil grasp, drawing for understanding, letter identification, and letter-sound associations.  

Outdoor Play

The outdoor area provides the children many unique opportunities. They can explore nature, dig in the sand, and exercise their bodies. Weather permitting, we will be going outside every day. Please dress your child so that they are comfortable and warm.