Principles for Teaching and Learning

Children share responsibility for their own learning and are active participants in the teaching and learning process.

• Teachers and students initiate inquiries, set objectives, and meet new challenges.
• There is active exploration of concepts, materials, and the environment
• Learning often involves trial and error and “mistakes” are regarded as an integral part of the learning process.

The rewards of learning are intrinsic.

• Children maintain the innate desire to learn and make sense of the world.
• Learning produces its own rewards.
• Extrinsic rewards such as prizes and artificial grades are avoided.

Learning is connected and integrated.

• Curriculum is integrated around themes and topics, reflecting the natural way children live and learn.
• Learning is connected to and builds on children’s experiences and interests.

Children learn best in a respectful nurturing environment.

• Children’s feelings and ideas are respected, and their work is valued.
• There is a spirit of caring commitment to each child.
• Parents, teachers and students create a learning community.

Parents are involved partners in their children’s education.

• Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom and school activities.
• Extensive communication between parents and teachers supports and extends the child’s learning.

The curriculum is balanced to develop the whole child.

• Curriculum and instruction fosters all areas of development: cognitive, social, emotional, physical and aesthetic.

Basic skills are important.

• Basic skills are crucial tools that are learned and applied throughout the curriculum.

Learning focuses on concept formation, decision-making and problem solving.

• Students are empowered to be confident, independent thinkers and to develop complex thinking skills.
• Students are encouraged to plan, make choices and solve problems.

Learning is seen as a life-long process.

• Students are encouraged to extend their learning as far as possible.
• Expectations are high, and all students are expected to do their best work and to develop to their fullest potential.

Learning fosters the development of collaboration and cooperation.

• Children work together to solve problems and achieve goals.
• Students learn from each other..
• Students practice effective leadership, and have opportunities to be cooperative team members.

The learning environment fosters the growth of children’s self-discipline.

• Children are expected to take responsibility for their own actions.
• Children are encouraged to exhibit fairness and self-control.

The learning environment fosters respect for self and others and an appreciation of the similarities and differences among people.

• Students, faculty, staff and parents are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect.
• Children are encouraged to appreciate their own heritage and the cultures of other people.
• Children come to value the ways people are alike and different.

Assessment provides information needed by teachers, parent, and children to guide the learning process.

• Assessment is an ongoing process that helps in making informed decisions.
• Students demonstrate learning in a variety of ways.
• Reports to parents are meaningful and descriptive.