Spirit At Play - Early Child Program - Missoula, MT

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Mission Statement

We at Spirit at play are dedicated to cultivating the unique qualities in every child.  Our early childhood and education program invites the development of self-reliance, interdependence, and problem solving through play and authentic experiences at school, with our family, our community, and the world.

 

Goals and Objectives

Communication

  • problem solving

  • positive talk

  • "I feel that..."

  • "Is that available?"

  • "What do you need?

Competency

  • self-help skills/reliance

  • uniqueness

  • appreciation

  • curiosity

  • willingness to try

  • self-importance

  • independent thinking

  • innate inquisitiveness

  • "We believe in you."

Play

  • authentic props

  • foster imagination

  • socialization

  • friendship building

  • love of learning

  • safe and loving environment

Learning

  • developmentally appropriate practices

  • multiple intelligences

  • Reggio Emilia philosophy

  • project approach

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authenticity

  • real life experiences in the community

  • authentic:

    • people we meet

    • tools and materials we use

    • resources we make available

Respect

  • problem solving with friends

    • Asking "How can I help you?" versus saying "I'm sorry."

    • Circling up together, away from distractions, to figure out a solution

  • Listening to teachers and friends

  • Sharing our stories, our environment, and our belongings with each other

    • giving one another enough personal space

    • taking turns to speak

    • asking "Is that available?"

  • Practicing respect

    • Treating each other with kindness

    • "Harm no living thing"

    • Using materials appropriately

  • Environmental awareness and earth appreciation

    • litter pickups in the community

    • conservation of water and resources

    • using public transportation

    • recycling and re-using

  • Acceptance of each other's differences

  • Compassion/empathy for others