Creative Curriculum - Bilingual Overview
"Research shows that a whole child approach to education – one where children develop not only math and literacy skills but also the social-emotional, physical, and cognitive skills necessary to communicate, think both critically and creatively, and solve complex problems – is developmentally appropriate and better prepares children for life well beyond their time in a classroom."
Teaching Strategies 38 Objectives
At La Escuelita San Marcos in Huntersville, we use the same time tested curricula as our friends at the Las Escuelitas in Cornelius and Charlotte and Charlotte Bilingual. Creative Curriculum Bilingual Edition is a curriculum based on the latest scientific research and developed using state early learning education objectives. It catalyzes language learning on many levels.
But the application of this award winning curriculum really is beautifully simple: observe, inspire, engage the child. Then, take notes! Because we cannot improve at what we don't measure.
The teachers engage the students in studies that last several weeks. These are hands-on, project-based investigations of topics that are relevant to children’s everyday experiences. Studies are exciting and engaging. They tap into children’s natural curiosity, resulting in a learning environment that is both fun and intentional. Teachers include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activities and nature exploration into their learning plans and read books with the children that are applicable to the particular study that week.
Because some of the best children’s books have fairly complex story lines, early childhood education experts recommend that they be read to children at least three times—each time in a slightly different way—for children to benefit fully. At LESM, the teachers read books several times across a theme, similar to the Five in a Row concept. Each time, the children are picking out various pieces of the story that are applicable to their investigations.
Perhaps the best part of our curriculum is how it speeds language acquisition and social exchange by providing teachers and families with ideas for embedded moments within their daily lives to apply the classroom lessons.