Emergent Based Curriculum

Emergent Philosophy Defined:

We are an emergent based program, run on consistent daily routine. We will consistently and routinely follow our daily schedule. We will digress from our planned activities and instead “emerge” ONLY when the rule of class majority dictates, and appropriateness of new found interests are agreeable to program guidelines.

Ex. If the planned theme was airplane exploration but the group interest for that day seemed to be whales, we would try to correlate the two topics - maybe compare/contrast airplanes and whales - or, if airplanes are of absolutely no interest to the majority of the group at that time, we would simply emerge and focus on whales for the theme that day.

Rule of Majority:

When the majority of our group displays interest outside of the current activity, or displays a need for transition during “free time”, the class MUST emerge, even if it is contrary to the daily outlined schedule. It is the responsibility of the acting lead teacher to be mindful of the majority at all times and make transitions as needed.

Ex. If the majority of a group of children were to become disinterested in the current activity, and gravitate toward the shoes area, this may indicate a need to transition outdoors prior to the daily scheduled routine of outdoor play.  While teachers may encourage completion of the activity at hand, the group rule of majority dictates the actual outcome of the daily routine.