With older children (3- & 4-years-old), we continue to focus on social emotional learning and a language development, with a stronger focus on conceptual development. Teachers integrate developmentally appropriate strategies seamlessly into a child-centered approach, that builds the foundation for life long learning. As our students approach kindergarten, we are mindful of including opportunities for writing, reading, and longer stretches of circle time for whole class discussion. Ms. Keisha and Ms. Abby have extensive experience in early childhood education. Ms. Abby earned her Masters Degree from LSU with a strong focus on Reggio-inspired pedagogy. Welcome to Iris.
Inspired by one child's favorite place, a movie theater, Ms. Abby invited the class to join her in the block center to build a movie theater. With a picture of a local movie theater for reference and open-ended blocks at their fingertips, several children joined, jumped in with ideas, and designed the inside of a movie theater!
Circle time in Iris includes read alouds of both fiction and non-fiction text. Iris Friends also learn about self-awareness and self-regulation strategies, including our school-wide "Engine Check" to draw awareness to one's own emotions. Friends who are "in the yellow" learn deep breathing strategies to come "back to the green" or may retreat to the Safe Space to have space to calm down.
The Iris classroom includes a range of developmentally appropriate materials for children to explore and document their own learning experience. Prior to using materials with a specific end in mind, teachers invite children to explore what materials can do and how they can be used.
Children are invited to explore open-ended materials in class each day. Teachers balance allowing children to investigate independently with the need for teacher interaction to deepen learning and conceptual understanding.
The Iris Class teachers are especially passionate about valuing student voice. Class rules are co-created with children. Morning meetings include opportunities for children to share their opinions, questions, and thoughts about what they are learning.
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Early Partners admits students of any race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Early Partners is a Section 501(c) (3) charitable organization, EIN 86-2943307. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer.
