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our philosophy
Years ago, I saw a painting with the quote, “Why not go out on a limb?
That’s where the fruit is.” which has been credited to both Will Rogers
and Mark Twain. It has stayed with me and been an inspiration in my
teaching. I believe that in order for people, both young and old, to
be able to go out on that limb, they need a solid starting point that
teaches them to have the confidence, courage and compassion needed to
stretch and grow. That is the gift we strive to give.
After having worked with children for so many years, I realized that
it was time for me to open my own school and be able to teach as well
as honor in myself what I have come to believe in over the years: that
children—especially young children— thrive best in smaller settings
that enable the caregiver to really get to know the child and therefore
be better equipped to meet their individual developmental needs.
There really is a reason that formal education begins at age five: that
is when it is developmentally appropriate for children to be in a larger
group setting. Before that, the more familial the setting, the more
comfortable children are and the more open they are to experiencing
and learning! As a teacher it is my job to recognize when a child is
ready for a stretch in learning, whether that is encouraging a baby
to clap their hands by singing and smiling with them, showing a toddler
where their mouth is, or bringing out the color cans to play a “What’s
Missing” game with a preschooler. It is all done through play and before
they (or we!) know it, they have grown in leaps and bounds!
I believe that there is no one teaching method that is best for children,
but rather that borrowing from many (Reggio-Emilia; Piaget; Montessori,
etc.), knowing the children in your care and adapting your program to
fit them works best. Each child has their own personality and getting
to know them is a terrific aspect of this job! With our smaller setting
at Apple Seed Little School, we tailor the program to best facilitate
learning for each child and get them ready for that big leap to kindergarten!
Director
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