Preschool Curriculum

Bright Beginnings uses a play based curriculum. It is not written down...it’s a philosophy. A play based curriculum is not academic or formal. There is little room for worksheets, flash cards, memorization activities, screen time, or lectures. It is about freedom, choices, and autonomy. It does not, however, allow children to run wild. Developing social skills and learning self-control are important part of our program. Our play based curriculum is dedicated to helping children become engaged, lifelong learners, and carries high expectations for children.  Click on:  Play as Curriculum, an article written by Francis Wardle, Ph.D., for a  great explanation of why we chose this philosophy.

We plan activities every day. When we are inside we divide children into groups to spread them out...but not by age. Younger children learn from older children by watching and striving to be like them. We are aware of what children need to know when they go to kindergarten, and we teach them those things - through play. We do not do worksheets or sit down and make children do paper work. We play games, read books, discuss what interests them, observe nature, create with open ended materials, sing songs, and move... a lot!

We love being outside with kids. We go outside everyday! In the winter it might take us 30 minutes to dress in snow clothes, only to be able to stay outside for 15 minutes. It's worth it!  During the summer we are outside 80% of the time. We have amazing outside play spaces that contribute to learning across the curriculum. Kids love being outside and it is part of our philosophy to teach an appreciation of the outdoors and nature.

The thing we noticed most when we went to a play curriculum is how much happier the kids are. They are made to move and play - that's what they want to do. We can teach them as they play! We also have fewer discipline problems.

This type of curriculum is supported by massive amounts of research. There is a lot of information out there. I have linked some articles and books in Interesting Reads.

Below is our academic plan. We use it to guide our active and playfilled days.