Our Preschool "Curriculum"

Our curriculum is based on the real experiences of the children. The children will spend their day playing, exploring and interacting with their classmates and classroom. Our centers and materials are created to be open-ended, and have materials that support and stimulate play, interaction and active learning. The teachers will provide the materials and the environment - the children will provide the learning. When this natural learning is "revealed" to the teachers, we will ask questions and involve ourselves where it is appropriate for the child's experience. 

About Project-Based Learning & The Project Approach

In project-based learning, teachers guide students through in-depth studies of real-world topics. In this "Project Approach" format, projects have a complex but flexible framework within which teaching and learning are seen as interactive processes. When teachers implement the Approach successfully, students feel highly motivated and actively involved in their own learning, leading them to produce high-quality work and to grow as individuals and collaborators.

A project, by definition, is an in-depth investigation of a real-world topic worthy of a student’s attention and effort. The study may be carried out with an entire class or with small groups of students—most often at the preschool, elementary, and middle school levels. Projects typically do not constitute the whole educational program; instead, teachers use them alongside systematic instruction and as a means of achieving curricular goals. (www.projectapproach.org)

Why Follow a Project-Based Curriculum: 

"Children have a strong disposition to explore and discover. The Project Approach builds on natural curiosity, enabling children to interact, question, connect, problem-solve, communicate, reflect, and more. This kind of authentic learning extends beyond the classroom to each student’s home, community, nation, and the world. It essentially makes learning the stuff of real life and children active participants in and shapers of their worlds." (www.projectapproach.org) 

Check out Jenn's Project Approach website for more information about this way of learning: Dr. Kaywork's Project Approach Website 

About Me: Jenn

Hello preschoolers and your families! My name is Dr. Jenn Kaywork, and this slide tells you a little about me and my family. Tym is my husband, Hayleigh is my daughter (14 years old) and Maximus is my son (11 years old). 

A little bit about me...I have been an educator for over 20 years working with children, teachers and college students. I am both a preschool teacher AND a college professor - so much fun! I teach for NOVA at the Loudoun Campus and work with doctoral students at Marymount University as a dissertation mentor. I LOVE to work with preschoolers and future teachers - I tell everyone that I teach "the tallest and the smallest learners." It's an amazing career :)

I love my family, outdoor adventures and college football. Go Virginia Tech Hokies and Go Georgia Bulldogs! My son plays travel baseball for the Stars and flag football with Loudoun NFL Flag. We are at a field of some sort A LOT and we love it! My daughter loves the theatre and digital creating and editing. Her creativity is amazing and we are excited to see her take on new projects this year in high school.

In our "free" time (ha ha) our family loves to take trips to explore new areas and experience all the good food and drink there is to offer. We also laugh a lot. Joy and a sense of humor are pretty important to us. I like to read children's books and have so many to share with you this year. I'm excited for what is to come and I can't wait to spend the year with you!

Click this link to learn more about me and my work: Dr. Jenn's Digital Portfolio 

About Me: Ashley

Hi Preschool Families! My name is Ashley Reeves, and I am so excited to be back in the classroom this year as Dr. Kaywork’s Assistant Teacher! I live in Broadlands with my husband, Erik, and our two young children, Emma (4) and Teddy (2). Emma was lucky enough to be in Dr. Kaywork’s Preschool class last year and is right next door in Miss Ahmed’s Pre-K class this year! Teddy can’t wait to hopefully join Emma and Mommy at LCDS soon! On weekends we love our family time and enjoy staying active–playing outside as much as possible, exploring new playgrounds and trails, and checking out local events and sports. We also love sneaking in getaways to our favorite beach town and summertime home-away-from-home: Cape May, NJ!

I grew up in a small section of Philadelphia, PA (Go Phillies! Eagles! Flyers!) and attended Drexel University, where I played on the Women’s Tennis Team, and earned my M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Over the course of 11 years, I have taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade, which eventually led me to the Washington, DC area. For the past three years, I have been home soaking up these precious early years with Emma and Teddy! When the Preschool Assistant position became available, I jumped at the opportunity knowing it was the perfect chance to do my two most favorite things -- be a mommy AND be in the classroom working with young children! These beginning years are so magical, and I am thrilled to share this next chapter with you at LCDS and in the Preschool class! It’s going to be a great year!