About the Curriculum
Reggio Emilia:
The Third Teacher
At Ascolta, we embrace the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, where the environment is considered the third teacher. Recognizing children as inherently competent and curious learners, we strategically design our spaces to support their readiness for exploration and discovery.
Through carefully crafted environments, children engage in collaborative, long-term investigations, constructing knowledge through inquiries, explorations, and conversations. Our spaces are enriched with authentic materials to cultivate curiosity and provide dynamic learning opportunities, fostering imaginative play and creative self-led learning experiences.
Finding Meaning in the Everyday:
The Big Questions
We celebrate children's natural inclination to ask "why?", "how?", and "what?" as they seek meaning in their experiences. As educators, we reflect on our interactions with children, constantly asking ourselves how we can help them find meaning in their actions and encounters.
Our learning environments encourage children to confidently navigate various experiences, where they can express themselves, appreciate differences, and intuitively learn new things every day.
Montessori:
The Montessori Pedagogy
Rooted in a scientific understanding of childhood development, the Montessori method emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. At Ascolta, we embrace each child's individuality, guiding them through purposeful, self-chosen activities within an environment that nurtures their learning journey.
Dr. Maria Montessori's belief that education is a natural process aligns with our approach, as we aim to build independence, confidence, and a sense of self in every child.
The Inquiry-Based Curriculum:
A Child-Centered Approach to Learning
The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IBPYP) forms the foundation of our inquiry-based curriculum, where children are viewed as active agents of their own learning. Rather than teaching "at" children, we involve them as partners in the learning process, inspiring them to take initiative and responsibility for their educational journey.
Our goal is to create a community of learners where children are engaged, empowered, and actively participate in shaping their learning experiences.
Play-Based Learning:
Where Creativity & Imagination Reign
Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our approach emphasizes play as the catalyst for learning. Structured and spontaneous play-based activities allow children to explore, inquire, and develop essential skills across all domains.
We believe that learning through play is not only effective but also enjoyable, as it naturally fosters curiosity, engagement, and a love for learning in our little learners.