Our Curriculum
Just as the seasons flow seamlessly from one to the next, so does our nature-inspired curriculum themes with our emergent, child-led philosophy. Each day, children move between instructor led and child led activities. Instructors “follow the child,” learning and responding each child’s uniqueness, and adapting the curriculum to provide opportunities for children to dive deep into their questions, curiosities, and wonderings.
What is emergent curriculum?
Emergent curriculum is a dynamic and responsive approach to education that builds on the interests, ideas, and experiences of the children. In a forest preschool setting, this means that our curriculum evolves based on the children's natural curiosity and interactions with their environment. Teachers observe and listen to the children, using their observations to design activities and projects that are meaningful and engaging. This approach allows for a balance between instructor-led activities and child-led exploration. While teachers provide structure and introduce themes or skills, they also encourage children to take the lead in their learning journeys. This balance ensures that children develop foundational skills while also fostering independence, creativity, and a love for learning. At PDX Forest Preschool, emergent curriculum allows us to create a rich, engaging, and personalized educational experience that respects and nurtures each child’s unique path of discovery.