Curriculum

The Reggio Emilia Program

Discovery Lane is inspired by the pedagogy of Reggio Emilia, developed by Loris Malaguzzi. The approach is communal and individualized, tailored to students interests. The program is inspired by the principles of respect, responsibility, and community. Through exploration and discovery students are supported by an enriching environment based on the interest of the students through a self-guided curriculum.

Children are viewed as an active constructor of knowledge. Rather than being a target of instruction students are encouraged to be an active apprentice. Teachers work alongside children expanding the child’s learning by collecting data. Educators are actively and mutually participating in the learning experience.

Students will embark on a scholastic journey that is collaborative. Children are provided real-life tools and materials to build their inquisition. Teachers will instruct students, keeping in mind their preferred learning style. While we are certainly influenced by Reggio Emilia we identify the importance of Multiple Intelligences supported by the research of Howard Gardner. Multiple Intelligence’s identifies that students learn through different mediums and we appreciate each expression towards learning. Some students are mathematical learners, some learn best through linguistic. We recognize the importance to capture the intelligence that the student gravitates to the most and capture that in our individualized curriculum. The approach to learning reflects theoretical kinship.

Student’s work is documented through the school year in several mediums that include, portfolios, videos, projects, and work samples. The community and parents serve as vital components to the scholastic journey. Parents are respected as the child’s first and favorite teacher. Parents are involved in every aspect of the curriculum. We encourage parents and family members to volunteer throughout the school year.

We have a fully developed integrated program that results in a community of learners developmentally appropriate for children when they enter the doors of Discovery Lane.

Discoverers

Piccolo (2.5 – 3 years-old classroom)

Little learners are developing their reciprocity with peers. They are beginning to embark on a scholastic journey and sensory components are blending.

Children in our entry year clasroom are learning how to expand their attention to tasks and work alongside peers in small groups. They follow a schedule that is flexible and supports developmental milestones. Children enrolling in this class must be 3 years old by October 31.

Medio (3-year-old classroom)

Young learners are beginning to develop peer relationships. Turn-taking, manipulation of tools, and self-advocacy are maturing. They have emerging skills that promote investigation.

Similarity to Piccolo children are following a flexible schedule that is more defined to encourage following a routine. Children participate in small, whole group, and provocations. Children enrolling in this class must be 3-years-old by September 1. 

Generoso (4-year-old classroom)

Young discoverers are exposed to activities developing preparedness for kindergarten. Children are encouraged to expand their attention to tasks and expand questions to integrate their beliefs and thoughts.

In preparation for kindergarten children follow a routine and have responsibilities that build upon self-management and classroom community. Children at this stage in our program are widening connections with real-world experiences through play, arts, read-alouds, and provocations. Children enrolling in this class must be 4 years old by September 1. 

Elementary (Kindergarten-5th Grade)

Children in our lower school experience education that integrates literacy, mathematics, social studies, and science. Project-based learning is a core tenant and put into practice developing deeper knowledge through active exploration.

Lesson planning is aligned with common core standards. Assessments are completed 3 times a school year to ensure children are meeting standards outlined in our curriculum module. Every child in our upper school school learns in a nurturing environment broadening their worldview. Children enrolling in kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1. 

Location

3081 Old Washington Road
Waldorf, MD 20601
240-803-5263
info@thediscoverylane.com
enrollment@thediscoverylane.com

School Day

Preschool- 7:30am-5:30pm
Elementary- 8:30am-3:30pm
Elementary Aftercare- 3:30pm-5:30pm

 

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