Preschool Curriculum: Questions Inspire Learning
Children's questions provide a foundation for learning and are the basis of our Learning Journey™ curriculum for preschoolers. At Creative World,
we think of children as inquisitive young scientists, naturally curious about their world. We believe in opening up new worlds of learning
to children by exploring new topics with them and asking thoughtful questions that inspire them to wonder about their world. Every month we begin a new inquiry.
Our explorations begin with understanding what children know about a topic and the questions they want to explore. It is these questions that provide the
focus for our study. We choose broad themes to explore that allow each classroom to individualize their study based on the teacher and children's interests
and questions. A study of animals for example, in one room may center on animals at the zoo while another classroom may focus on pets and how to care for animals
in your home.
This type of individualization allows teachers to modify curriculum and build on what is exciting to their group. We believe this flexibility is what makes our
curriculum successful. Inquiry curriculum allows us to explore topics in a rich and creative way by providing children with different kinds of engagements that
allow them to ask questions and come up with answers as they learn about something new. Our focus is on real questions and real explorations while connecting
and building on previous learning.
Our learning journey is extended with a daily trip to our most unique Wonder Room, the Exploratorium™. It is here that we provide our preschool students
with exciting activities to enrich their learning. In the Exploratorium™, our 3 E's: A Foundation for Excellence™ curriculum gives children the opportunity
to take their inquiry even further and works hand in hand with our Learning Journey™.
Visit our Exploratorium™ here!
What Advantages Does Inquiry Curriculum Offer?
Children are interested! When you start with what children know and their questions, they are invested and excited about their learning.
Quality, not quantity. Many programs implement weekly themes, whereas we offer a month-long exploration of a very broad topic. We choose
topics that are full of potential and invite a wide range of questions. It is through these questions that children construct knowledge that prepares them for the future.
More than the basics. We know that young children need to be equipped with 21st century skills. While the traditional programs focus on shapes, colors,
numbers and letters, we take it a step further. Relevant skills such as emotional literacy, cognitive processing and how they construct knowledge are tools for lifelong learning.
Children can reach their potential. Inquiry allows teachers to individualize the curriculum. There is no limit to how much children can learn about a topic!
When they can research their own questions and find answers, they become excited to learn more.
The power of integration. Instead of separating knowledge into domains, we integrate learning into hands-on activities. This is how learning happens in real life!
When we cook, we are reading the recipe and ingredients, using math skills as we measure, science to mix the ingredients and social skills as we work together to
enjoy our creation. Our teachers see the learning potential through this type of integration and are able to draw connections between the different domains for a well rounded education.
Creative World believes in a balanced day for your child. We create the perfect mix between quiet and active times; large and
small group learning; child initiated activities; and teacher facilitated activities to create a day full of learning and fun!
Walk through a preschooler's day at Creative World:
Walk through a preschooler's day at Creative World:
Imagining Together
Every day we gather together and share stories, talk about our day and plan our learning journey. Being together allows us to get to know our friends, sing songs and play learning games. We assign helpers for the day, give a weather report and take a look at our calendar.
Reading Aloud
We love a good book! Each day we set aside time to read together. Our read-alouds encourage us to be readers as we read simple, repetitive stories with predictable text. We also learn about different authors, illustrators and different types of stories.
Meals & Snacks
Children who are with us all day enjoy daily, nutritious snacks and meals. Besides a balanced meal, we also focus on table manners, independence and good eating habits. Intimate classroom dining allows children to eat at their own pace in a familiar environment. Teachers and children sit and eat together, sharing good food and conversation.
Outdoor Fun & Exercise
At Creative World, our classroom learning extends to the outdoors as our teachers plan daily, interactive outdoor enrichments. You will find games, water play, sand play, books and chalk in our outdoor "classrooms". Each class is scheduled for outside time twice daily in an age appropriate play area. Our play equipment on each playground meets the highest standards and is designed to maximize fun and safety for all ages.
Every day we gather together and share stories, talk about our day and plan our learning journey. Being together allows us to get to know our friends, sing songs and play learning games. We assign helpers for the day, give a weather report and take a look at our calendar.
Reading Aloud
We love a good book! Each day we set aside time to read together. Our read-alouds encourage us to be readers as we read simple, repetitive stories with predictable text. We also learn about different authors, illustrators and different types of stories.
Meals & Snacks
Children who are with us all day enjoy daily, nutritious snacks and meals. Besides a balanced meal, we also focus on table manners, independence and good eating habits. Intimate classroom dining allows children to eat at their own pace in a familiar environment. Teachers and children sit and eat together, sharing good food and conversation.
Outdoor Fun & Exercise
At Creative World, our classroom learning extends to the outdoors as our teachers plan daily, interactive outdoor enrichments. You will find games, water play, sand play, books and chalk in our outdoor "classrooms". Each class is scheduled for outside time twice daily in an age appropriate play area. Our play equipment on each playground meets the highest standards and is designed to maximize fun and safety for all ages.
Investigating Together
Children are invited to explore in small groups as they experiment, solve problems and record their observations. Teachers integrate elements of science, math, social studies and creative art domains each day.
Inspiring Literacy
Teachers plan rich literacy engagements each day that develop the following skills: Concepts of Print, Phonological Awareness, Letter-Sound Knowledge, Vocabulary, Oral Language and Listening/Reading Comprehension.
Enriching Play
Kids are in charge of choosing which areas they want to explore. Our Enriching Play centers are designed to give children independence and are equipped with invitations that promote unique learning opportunities. Each day, they have the opportunity to visit dramatic play, construction, literacy, writing, creative arts, math/manipulatives, science, music, computers, easel, and sensory table. Each station is enriched weekly so there is something new for the children to discover.
Quiet Time
Children who stay with us a full day have the opportunity to rest and recharge on individual, assigned cots. Children enjoy a calm atmosphere with soft, dim lighting and a cuddly blanket from home. While some doze off and nap for a time, others may enjoy a good book or a quiet activity.
Children are invited to explore in small groups as they experiment, solve problems and record their observations. Teachers integrate elements of science, math, social studies and creative art domains each day.
Inspiring Literacy
Teachers plan rich literacy engagements each day that develop the following skills: Concepts of Print, Phonological Awareness, Letter-Sound Knowledge, Vocabulary, Oral Language and Listening/Reading Comprehension.
Enriching Play
Kids are in charge of choosing which areas they want to explore. Our Enriching Play centers are designed to give children independence and are equipped with invitations that promote unique learning opportunities. Each day, they have the opportunity to visit dramatic play, construction, literacy, writing, creative arts, math/manipulatives, science, music, computers, easel, and sensory table. Each station is enriched weekly so there is something new for the children to discover.
Quiet Time
Children who stay with us a full day have the opportunity to rest and recharge on individual, assigned cots. Children enjoy a calm atmosphere with soft, dim lighting and a cuddly blanket from home. While some doze off and nap for a time, others may enjoy a good book or a quiet activity.
But wait! There's more! Each day, preschoolers visit our amazing Exploratorium™ for unique activities to further their learning.
Click here to learn more about our "world of wonder".
When we all work together, we help create a wonderful future for young children.
Our Teachers
We know how important teachers are in the lives of children...especially in their earliest years. Creative World Teachers have an important
combination of experience, personality and educational background.
CW University oversees our teacher training program which provides training in the following areas:
Curriculum, Health and Safety, Literacy, Childcare Standards, Positive Guidance and Developmental Assessment
In addition, Creative World teachers participate in required background screenings, undergo Tri-Yearly Corporate Inspections, are CPR Certified, and attend monthly staff training sessions.
Our Families
It is a well documented fact that children's learning is enhanced when families are involved. We partner with parents and families in a variety
of ways:
Our Monthly Calendar
Special Events
Our Parent Share Newsletter
(download a Parent Share here).
Additionally, you are invited to join us anytime to participate in your child's day! Come have lunch with us, read a book to the children, join us on a field trip. We encourage your participation!
Our Community
Creative World schools connect with each of our communities. We help young children learn about where they live by inviting local experts,
such as firefighters, librarians, dentists, veterinarians, etc. to come share about their role in the community.
We model how to give back as we participate in food drives, clothing drives and other philanthropic programs.
To find about our community efforts in a specific area, click here to find a location near you.
Creative World Preschool Classroom Features: Safe and sturdy quality wood furniture designed for young children; Spacious and organized play areas;
A wide variety of educational materials; Shelves stocked with specially selected age appropriate toys; Child sized sinks and toilets; Viewing windows between classrooms;
Classroom security cameras; Classroom access to playground.
All preschool classrooms are set up with unique learning centers that encourage children to be self-sufficient while fostering an understanding of basic concepts. Our child-centered room arrangement allows children to move freely from one interest center to the next, giving them the opportunity to make plans and choices in their environment. The following is a partial list of the learning centers in our developmentally appropriate classrooms, with a brief description of some of the learning and skills they foster:
All preschool classrooms are set up with unique learning centers that encourage children to be self-sufficient while fostering an understanding of basic concepts. Our child-centered room arrangement allows children to move freely from one interest center to the next, giving them the opportunity to make plans and choices in their environment. The following is a partial list of the learning centers in our developmentally appropriate classrooms, with a brief description of some of the learning and skills they foster:
Creative Fun
In this center, there are a variety of arts and crafts materials available for the children to use for experimenting and creating. In addition, each room has easels that are available for painting. Children develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor control and creativity as they explore color, texture, and shape in their art.
Language
Quality children's literature is displayed in an inviting manner to encourage children to read and explore books. A quiet corner of the room with comfortable chairs and soft areas is established to give children an opportunity to interact with books.
Writing Table
A variety of different types of paper and writing utensils are rotated through this center to encourage children's experimentation with writing. Children become authors and writers as they are invited to share emergent writing skills or dictate to teachers their own words for books or illustrations. These experiences with writing make print accessible for young children and give them a firm foundation for reading and writing development.
Math
This combined Math/Manipulative Center provides opportunities for children to practice number concepts and fine motor skills. Sequencing, ordering, seriating and other number concepts are explored, along with learning numbers and counting.
Science/Discovery
This center introduces children to scientific discovery, analytical thinking and problem solving. Children care for animals and plants, charting growth and observing changes. Experiments are regularly set up for children to interact and observe.
In this center, there are a variety of arts and crafts materials available for the children to use for experimenting and creating. In addition, each room has easels that are available for painting. Children develop hand-eye coordination, fine motor control and creativity as they explore color, texture, and shape in their art.
Language
Quality children's literature is displayed in an inviting manner to encourage children to read and explore books. A quiet corner of the room with comfortable chairs and soft areas is established to give children an opportunity to interact with books.
Writing Table
A variety of different types of paper and writing utensils are rotated through this center to encourage children's experimentation with writing. Children become authors and writers as they are invited to share emergent writing skills or dictate to teachers their own words for books or illustrations. These experiences with writing make print accessible for young children and give them a firm foundation for reading and writing development.
Math
This combined Math/Manipulative Center provides opportunities for children to practice number concepts and fine motor skills. Sequencing, ordering, seriating and other number concepts are explored, along with learning numbers and counting.
Science/Discovery
This center introduces children to scientific discovery, analytical thinking and problem solving. Children care for animals and plants, charting growth and observing changes. Experiments are regularly set up for children to interact and observe.
Sensory Table
This table provides important learning opportunities for young children. As children pour, sift, fill and measure, they experiment with texture, density, and other properties. Sensory areas are also very soothing to children.
Dramatic Play
In this center, children have the opportunity to become fire fighters, fathers, doctors, ballerinas, or any other role that captures their imagination. Housekeeping props, as well as other open-ended props and theme prop boxes, are available for the children's play. This role-playing provides children with important peer interactions and socio-emotional development. Children learn to cooperate, share and gain self-understanding as well as a positive self-image.
Blocks and Building
This area provides building opportunities for children as they lay out roads, castles and other creative monuments. Children learn visual discrimination, large and fine motor control, problem solving and logical thinking. They experiment with balance, design and other mathematical properties.
Computers
Children have the opportunity to interact with computers in this center. They engage in a variety of developmentally appropriate learning games and creative experiences. In addition, they learn some computer basics such as using a mouse and keyboard.
Music
Here, a variety of musical instruments await the children as they creatively make music and move to the beat. Music exposes preschoolers to rhythm, patterns and sounds.
This table provides important learning opportunities for young children. As children pour, sift, fill and measure, they experiment with texture, density, and other properties. Sensory areas are also very soothing to children.
Dramatic Play
In this center, children have the opportunity to become fire fighters, fathers, doctors, ballerinas, or any other role that captures their imagination. Housekeeping props, as well as other open-ended props and theme prop boxes, are available for the children's play. This role-playing provides children with important peer interactions and socio-emotional development. Children learn to cooperate, share and gain self-understanding as well as a positive self-image.
Blocks and Building
This area provides building opportunities for children as they lay out roads, castles and other creative monuments. Children learn visual discrimination, large and fine motor control, problem solving and logical thinking. They experiment with balance, design and other mathematical properties.
Computers
Children have the opportunity to interact with computers in this center. They engage in a variety of developmentally appropriate learning games and creative experiences. In addition, they learn some computer basics such as using a mouse and keyboard.
Music
Here, a variety of musical instruments await the children as they creatively make music and move to the beat. Music exposes preschoolers to rhythm, patterns and sounds.
Creative World Portfolio Assessments
Our preschool students will learn so many new things during this year to prepare them for a successful Kindergarten experience. Our teachers keep track of progress and keep you informed of their latest accomplishments.
We believe great teachers must have a firm understanding of child development and know each child's strengths and interests. As we get to know your child, we play and interact as we observe them in different contexts to keep track of their learning throughout the year. We also use a developmental checklist to make sure each child is progressing in their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. Weekly, we integrate our Learning Journey™ curriculum with the following standards: Approaches to Learning, Literacy, Mathematic Thinking, Scientific Thinking, Creative Arts, Social Studies and Physical Development
Every child has a learning portfolio that is a compilation of teacher notes, reflections, pictures and a collection of first drawings that tell their learning story. We believe that each child is full of unlimited potential and our job is to challenge, strengthen and help them grow.
Twice yearly, we hold an individual portfolio showing with families to share the progress and learning of your child. This is an opportunity to set goals and discuss strategies for enhancing their learning.
Our preschool students will learn so many new things during this year to prepare them for a successful Kindergarten experience. Our teachers keep track of progress and keep you informed of their latest accomplishments.
We believe great teachers must have a firm understanding of child development and know each child's strengths and interests. As we get to know your child, we play and interact as we observe them in different contexts to keep track of their learning throughout the year. We also use a developmental checklist to make sure each child is progressing in their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. Weekly, we integrate our Learning Journey™ curriculum with the following standards: Approaches to Learning, Literacy, Mathematic Thinking, Scientific Thinking, Creative Arts, Social Studies and Physical Development
Every child has a learning portfolio that is a compilation of teacher notes, reflections, pictures and a collection of first drawings that tell their learning story. We believe that each child is full of unlimited potential and our job is to challenge, strengthen and help them grow.
Twice yearly, we hold an individual portfolio showing with families to share the progress and learning of your child. This is an opportunity to set goals and discuss strategies for enhancing their learning.