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Love of Learning
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The Early Learning Center at the Phillips Brooks School is a social-developmental and creativity-based program for children from ages 3 to 5 years. The ELC program is inspired by the work of educators in Reggio Emilia, Italy and is guided by NAEYC’s Principals of Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Young Children. We are dedicated to providing a joyful and engaging environment that acknowledges and supports each child’s ability to construct an understanding of his/her world in a creative and intrinsically motivated fashion. Additionally, we value the building of community and the forging of partnerships between home and school. We provide ample opportunities for parent involvement in the ELC.
During a typical day, children begin by meeting in their class groups. Songs and movement, introductions to new materials and processes, group project discussions, and self-planning of activities for the classroom work time happen each day. Following our group discussions, children move into the core part of our day. During this time, they have a rich variety of materials, experiences, and processes to explore. This could involve self-selecting project work in our art or wire studios, dramatic play opportunities, construction activities, cooking projects, writing and drawing experiences in our writing center, or exploring puzzles or games with friends. Project work emerges from the interests of the children, and the ELC teachers see themselves as facilitators and co-learners in these projects. The processes involved in each project are frequently documented and displayed to make the children’s learning visible. The ELC faculty keeps an ongoing portfolio of work samples for each child to assist in assessing the social/emotional, physical, and cognitive/creative growth of each. Our day ends with ample time outdoors.
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Specialist Classes
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In addition to time spent in the classroom, the ELC children have a variety of specialist classes that they attend. In Room A, the children are involved in physical education, Spanish and technology/library classes. In addition to those activities, in Room B they also add specialist-led art, music and science explorations.
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Compassion
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From your child’s first day in the ELC they will hear that “the most important thing that you will learn at The Phillips Brooks School is to be kind.” We help children to learn and practice respect for themselves and others, by providing gentle guidance and by modeling the respect and caring that we hope for all members of our community. One of the most important opportunities our program provides is to practice direct, respectful and compassionate communication. Through role plays, modeling, art experiences and a sharing of thoughts, the children are prepared to lead lives of empathy and thoughtfulness. We feel that kindness and compassion are some of the greatest gifts that we give the students of the ELC.
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Creativity
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The opportunity to nurture and support the development of creativity in children is brief indeed. Some believe that the time before a child turns seven is the most important and formative time for creativity to be supported. We agree that “creativity flourishes in places of safety and acceptance, and is born in an atmosphere of generosity, support and nurturance.” This is precisely what we provide the students of the ELC at Phillips Brooks. We value imagination and the curiosity of children. And, we provide an environment that is rich in materials and processes. Each child is encouraged to become fluent in the use of many materials, be flexible in their outcomes, confident in their expression of ideas, embellish their work with ample detail, and to take risks as they attempt new activities. ELC children are uniquely prepared to be innovative thinkers.
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Collaboration
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As members of a global community, the ability to live and work with others is essential. The ELC helps prepare students to be respectful, contributing members of the community. Not only do we create collaboration between students, we also establish strong partnerships with parents and colleagues. In the classroom, your child will learn to share ideas, leadership roles and will witness parents and teachers working together. Many specialists are a part of an ELC team that provides richness to the program through world languages, music, library, technology, physical education and art. Together, we form a team committed to bringing the very best school experience to your child. The result is a child that learns to love and loves to learn.