Our Pre-School and Pre-K programs are built on the best qualities of several successful child development models. We have taken pieces from five of the world’s most popular learning models to develop a variety of activities and lessons that will benefit your child. Let’s get an overview of our curriculum and highlight the models we’ve used as inspiration.
The German Kindergarten Model
The German kindergarten model is the base of Castle Academy. This model teaches us that the best way to learn is by doing and to give children ample opportunity to learn in a safe, nurturing environment. This model also uses an understanding and appreciation of nature to get kids’ minds wondering and learning.
Castle Academy appreciates the love of nature and slows down the pace of lessons and class time to help children learn and become more curious about their world. As a bonus, this method stamps a lifelong love of learning and appreciation of the natural world.
The most important aspect of the German kindergarten model is building a foundation for children to learn throughout their life and appreciate the excitement of learning something new. We use the tools and ideas of the German kindergarten model to get your children interested in their natural environment and to prepare them for future success.
THE MONTESSORI MODEL
We use several ideas from the Montessori model which are related to the German Kindergarten model. The focus of this model is that children under six-years-old possess a sensitive and absorbent mind which makes learning both easy and fun in the right environment.
The Montessori model uses this period to its advantage by providing hands-on learning experiences and lessons that challenge and engage all a child’s senses. Castle Academy has a collection of Montessori-based lessons and programs that let the children explore their environment at a healthy pace. These lessons teach practical activities for young minds including basic personal and social communication.
On top of the basic life-learning lessons, we focus on language arts including reading and writing, sensory-driven activities, counting and basic math, and exposure to different cultures, sciences, histories, and geography. We also believed in the Montessori method of mixing different age groups to allow the other children to learn by helping. This method promotes bonding, personal relationships, and empathy.
THE HOWARD GARDNER MULTIPLE-INTELLIGENCE THEORY
Every child is different, and every child will have different learning styles. Instead of forcing children through the same lesson plans, we focus on their strengths and use those strengths to craft our lessons. This comes from the Howard-Gardner Multiple Intelligence Theory. Styles include logical learning, visuospatial learning, kinesthetic learning for kids who like to move, interpersonal, verbal, naturalist, and more. We help children exploit their strengths to learn more with this multifaceted approach.
THE ENGLISH INFANT/PRIMARY SCHOOL MODELS
We borrow the focus on creative activities from the English Infant and Primary School models. At Castle Academy children might be drawing artwork, learning to play instruments, learning to compose and write their own stories and more. Creative learning has consistently shown to create more well-rounded children who love to learn.
THE REGGIO EMILIA MODEL FOR EARLY LEARNING
The finally important method we believe in is the Reggio Emilia model. This model teaches the importance of education as a tool for showing children their potential and that they can achieve their goals. This model incorporates art as an important tool that allows children to create and explore whatever they want at their own pace. The environment of this model stresses exploration, learning by doing, open dialogue, and questioning. Our teachers lead the children in open conversation with diverse and engaging topics.
We’ve worked hard to craft a preschool and pre-K program that incorporates many models in order to create a nurturing, caring environment that stimulates a child’s interest in the world. Of all the programs – children’s success always comes first. At Castle Academy children are invited to engage their world at their own pace in an organized environment that develops and encourages learning. Our core policies are free play, art, learning, and nurturing. If you want to learn more about our programs, don’t hesitate to call.
