OUR PROGRAM — WE BLOOM PLAYSCHOOL

CURRICULUM

We Bloom Playschool follows an emergent curriculum that is play based. Our focus is to create a safe space that allows children to explore their natural interests, build relationships, and develop a sense of community. When children feel supported and safe, they can devote energy to exploration and learning. Children are provided with a variety of open-ended activities and materials that promote creativity through language development, creative art, math, science, sensory experiences, music, movement, fine & gross motor development, and natural outdoor experiences. We believe that learning is most deeply ingrained when an experience is relevant, shared, hands-on, and meaningful to a child.

By knowing each individual child and with careful observation teachers help facilitate experiences. Teachers might check out books from the library, ask open-ended questions to guide conversation, invite a local expert from the community to share their knowledge, sing songs, write stories, or make art. The content for study is endless. Through this type of curriculum, students build relationships with their peers, begin to understand the interconnectedness of all things and will create new theories about the world we live in.

MEALS

The school provides two snacks and a lunch daily for toddler children to enjoy. Everything is vegetarian and includes whole grains, plant protein, fresh fruit and vegetables. We strive to use organic ingredients as much as possible. Weekly food menus will be sent via email. Sample food Menu

Meals are one of our favorite moments of the day. We think there is a lot of beauty in coming together to share a meal and value the sense of community it creates. Older children will take turns helping set the table up for each meal and all children will sit at a table together. At least one teacher will sit down to enjoy the meal as well; modeling eating food, how to use utensils, and overall engaging in a joyful and meaningful moment in our day. All of the food will be offered, but children won't be forced to try anything. We think it's important that children learn to listen to their bodies and regulate the amount they need to eat and drink. Children are encouraged to be independent during meal times, choosing to use utensils or their fingers to scoop up food. Children will help clear the table and compost leftover food once they decide they are done eating.

Note: Children will sometimes help teachers make lunches or snacks. It’s a fun way for them to connect with the food they are eating, while also continuing to learn about caring for a community.

DAILY RHYTHM

8:30-9:00am: Children arrive and are welcomed into our space. Some days there will be invitations set up for children to explore independently. This is a time to connect with teachers and friends.

9:00am: Morning snack offered

9:30-10am: Diapers/Bathroom trips

10am: Circle - We spend some time together singing, reading, and discussing topics the group is collectively curious about.

10:15-11:30am: Small groups; indoor, outdoor, or art studio. Diapers and bathroom breaks as needed.

11:45am: Lunch

12:15-12:30pm: Diapers/Bathroom trips

12:30-2:30/3pm: Nap/Rest Time

2:30-3:30pm: Diapers/Bathroom trips as needed

2:45-3pm: Afternoon snack offered

3-3:15pm: Open play/small groups; indoor, outdoor, or art studio.

3:15-3:25pm: Goodbye circle before pickups

3:30-5pm: Extended day. Diapers and bathroom breaks as needed.

Portland, Oregon