At MKA, we learn by asking many questions because we are curious!
- A kindergarten student
Student-centered classrooms buzz with energy as small groups and pairs of students work together to share, collaborate, create, and solve problems. In a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program, students’ ideas and questions shape their dynamic explorations, providing the foundation for their learning throughout the Primary School. Students develop their voices and explore their interests and passions through the choices they make—in their home classrooms and their encore subject classrooms.
Beginning in kindergarten, reading, writing, and math workshops are punctuated by quiet learning times, when students concentrate on their individual work to develop skills, make novel connections, write with purpose, and prepare to share their thinking with others. Teachers confer with, support, and challenge students, not only to help them reach academic goals, but also to stretch them as learners.
Classrooms are designed as spaces to think, reflect, collaborate, and explore. Each room invites students into a print-rich learning environment where student work is prominently displayed. Student work spaces are organized in groups and a gathering area (“on the rug”) provides a defined community space.
Students use a variety of resources to support and expand their learning. They research and better explain their thinking with the aid of iPads and laptops, experiment and consolidate concepts with manipulatives, easily browse and access a wide variety of reading choices thanks to the classroom library, create imaginary communities with stones on the playground, and even enhance their thinking and their friendships through conversations with peers.