Our Curriculum

Emergent curriculum is an educational approach that is responsive to the interests, questions and needs of the learners themselves. This approach values flexibility, ensuring the lessons continuously evolve, effectively meeting children at their current stage of learning.

Following the children's lead empowers them to take an active role in their education, fostering a genuine love for lifelong learning. Whether delving into projects, scientific experiments, creating artwork, or exploring the natural world, our students are encouraged to explore their curiosities and make meaningful connections across various subjects. 

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, we emphasize the importance of art, creativity, and expression. Our learning space is thoughtfully designed to encourage imagination and provide students with various materials to express their ideas. The arts, alongside other academic disciplines, are integrated into our daily learning.

At Wilder Learning North Durham, we are inspired by Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf philosophies to create a rich and holistic learning environment. 

Montessori methods provide individualized learning with hands-on materials and a prepared environment, fostering independence and self-motivation. This approach supports our goal of nurturing self-directed learners.

Reggio Emilia emphasizes project-based and collaborative learning, incorporating loose parts and play, valuing the environment as a stimulating "third teacher." By promoting in-depth exploration and valuing the child's voice, this approach aligns with our mission to foster curiosity and creativity.

Waldorf education contributes a holistic curriculum that integrates arts, nature, and rhythmic routines. This approach nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and physical development of each child, fostering imagination and environmental stewardship. 

Together, these philosophies create a balanced, engaging, and supportive educational experience.

A student-centred pedagogy that involves a dynamic approach where students acquire a deeper knowledge through active explorations and personally meaningful projects. There are roughly five project blocks per school year. These interdisciplinary projects integrate all the core subjects, promoting skill-building, critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression.

We recognize the transformative power of nature in children's development. Consistent and frequent interaction with the natural world enhances physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive development, sharpened observation skills, and a deeper relationship with the environment.

We provide ample outdoor time through structured exploration such nature hikes, forest walks, and outdoor lessons, as well as plenty of free play.

In addition, we incorporate:

• Nature-Themed Learning Stations
• Art Projects using leaves, flowers, mud, and stones and other natural materials
• Nature Journals
• Wildlife Observation
• Forest School Activities such as climbing trees, building shelters, and exploring trails.
• Seasonal Activities, such as leaf themed learning in fall or snow science in winter.

We regularly journey out into the community for a variety of activities that will deepen our student's understanding of the world and inspire them to embrace new experiences. By providing them with opportunities to experience civic engagements, different cultures and ecologies, experiment with STEM fields, and try new athletic and artistic activities, we develop essential life skills and prepare them for a well-rounded future. 

Our literacy approach is about nurturing a love of language. Our goal is to make learning to read and write an enjoyable and meaningful process. We focus on building a solid foundation in phonics and comprehension, ensuring each child progresses with confidence. We use a blend of hands-on activities and proven phonetic methods to build strong foundational skills. Here's how we do it:

• Literacy-Rich Environment: Our classrooms are filled with labels, signs, and books that reflect the children's interests. This encourages daily interaction with written language in a meaningful context.
• Daily Read Alouds: Every day, we dedicate time to read to the children. We select high-quality books that are both enjoyable and educational, exposing them to rich language and diverse stories.
• Interactive Storytelling: We involve children in storytelling, allowing them to retell stories using props or act them out. This interactive approach supports language development and comprehension.
• Multisensory Phonics: We introduce letter sounds and phonics through engaging, multisensory activities using the Orton-Gillingham pathway. This includes sandpaper letters for tactile learning and  interactive games to reinforce letter-sound relationships, catering to diverse learning styles.
• Individualized Instruction: Our educators provide differentiated instruction for each child to learn at their own pace. Observation of their progress and readiness  allows us to provide appropriate tools at the right time to ensure confidence and long-term learning success. 
• Written Communication: Ensuring strong foundational development for writing means providing many engaging fine motor activities, word building and eventually letter formation. Children are encouraged to communicate and journal with writing or drawing. 
• Project-Based Learning: Literacy is seamlessly integrated in project-based learning. We encourage children to research, investigate, and document their findings through writing, drawing, or multimedia presentations.