An arts-integrated & project-based approach to early learning
Coming Soon!
Reggio Inspired
Wholehearted Schoolhouse is rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach, a renowned educational philosophy that places children at the center of their learning experience and asserts that children are born capable, with innate creativity, and with a sense of wonder that should be nurtured.
Arts Integration
Our team of educators are facilitators, working alongside students to think deeply about the world, develop theories together, and express ideas and knowledge through a multitude of art forms and play. We weave music, visual art, drama, and dance with a developmentally appropriate curriculum, providing diverse avenues for enduring understanding, self-expression and discovery.
Family Engagement
We bring families together to build connections, ignite creativity, and foster a deep love for learning as a community. Parents are partners in the educational process, creating a supportive and interconnected network that benefits everyone! In addition to this, parents will have access to complimentary wellness classes and courses to extend arts-integrated practices into the home if they wish.
Why The Reggio Emilia Approach?
The Reggio Emilia approach views children as capable, curious individuals who have a natural desire to learn. Learning is driven by the children’s interests, allowing them to explore topics that captivate them, fostering a love for learning. Developed in Italy after World War II, this approach emphasizes respect, responsibility, and community.
A Project- Based Approach
Learning happens through long-term projects inspired by children’s interests. Teachers support and extend these projects by asking open-ended questions, introducing resources, fostering collaboration, and encouraging deeper thinking and problem solving.
A Nurturing Physical Environment
The classroom environment plays a crucial role in children’s development. It’s carefully designed to be inviting, flexible, and rich in opportunities for discovery. Our classrooms feature natural light, open spaces, and materials that encourage imaginative and sensory exploration.
Documentation
Teachers meticulously document children’s work and the learning process through photographs and notes. This documentation not only serves as a record but also provides insights into the children’s thoughts and learning patterns, guiding future activities.
Collaboration
The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes the importance of collaboration between children, teachers, and parents. Learning is seen as a shared journey, with everyone contributing ideas and knowledge. Families are actively involved in the learning process, strengthening the connection between home and school.
Why Arts Integration?
Arts integration in early learning promotes a range of developmental benefits that support a child’s growth in cognitive, social, emotional, and physical areas. Here are some key reasons why arts integration is important in early education:
Enhances Creativity and Imagination
The arts encourage children to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and express themselves in unique ways. Experiences like building, painting, dance, and drama stimulate creative thinking.
Supports Cognitive Development
Arts integration helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Engaging in activities like music and visual art strengthens memory, attention span, and understanding of concepts such as patterns, shapes, and sequencing.
Improves Communication and Language Skills
Through storytelling, dance, dramatic play, and music, children enhance their vocabulary, listening skills, and ability to express themselves. Collaborative arts activities encourage teamwork, sharing, and empathy. Arts also provide an outlet for expressing emotions, helping children process their feelings and develop emotional intelligence.
Develops Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Activities like painting, cutting, and sculpting refine fine motor skills, while dance and drama support the development of gross motor skills. These skills are foundational for tasks such as writing, coordination, and overall physical development.
Fosters Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity
Arts integration exposes children to diverse cultures and perspectives, helping them appreciate differences and similarities. It fosters an understanding of the world around them and builds a sense of belonging in diverse communities.
Engages Multiple Learning Styles
Children learn in different ways—visually, kinesthetically, and auditorily. Arts integration addresses these varied learning styles by providing hands-on, visual, and interactive activities that cater to each child’s learning modalities.
Makes Learning Fun and Meaningful
The arts create a joyful, engaging, and stimulating learning environment. When children are interested and motivated, they are more likely to retain information and develop a deep love for learning!
