Academics
An Inspired Learning Environment
In the Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy, the classroom is considered the third teacher and great care is taken to create a space that allows room for exploration, in an effort to expand the child's mind, one adventure at a time. At Kindred Spirits Day School, we strongly believe in the importance of creating an environment that inspires our students daily and stimulates
their natural curiosity.
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Our learning space promotes free-flow of movement, with dedicated zones and activity centres that promote inquiry. In addition to our indoor space, we also consider nature as an extension to our classroom, and actively aim to take the learning outdoors as much as possible.
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Our curriculum is based on the Ontario Curriculum in Mathematics, Literacy, Science and Social Studies, and custom crafted in the areas of French, Physical Education, Health & Wellness, Visual and Performing Arts. It is how we teach these subjects that makes our school truly special, providing an experience-rich learning environment that incorporates many opportunities for cross-curricular teaching.
As a result, we teach a unique blend of Academics, Life Skills and Personal Development, with the goal of nurturing the whole child and finding creative ways to empower their learning.
Kindergarten
We strongly believe in the importance of setting the groundwork for a child's education at an early age, and take pride in our kindergarten curriculum. Students are introduced to all of the core subjects through exploration, play and discussion on a daily basis.
Grades 1 - 3
Grades 1 - 3 further builds upon and strengthens the inquiry-based learning foundation introduced in Kindergarten, while adding a deeper emphasis on academics. We also introduce life skills, as well as health and wellness into the core curriculum taught.
Grades 4 - 6
Grades 4 - 6 rounds out the junior primary years with a continued focus on inquiry-based learning in all subjects. Students are also introduced to self-directed research and group projects. The curriculum continues to also build upon life skills, and begins to introduce student-led community service initiatives.
Grades 7 - 8
Grades 7 - 8, in addition to preparing our students for high school through academics, provides the opportunity for further development of their natural skills and interests. The curriculum is fully customized and provides further leadership opportunities that teach both accountability and responsibility.
What is the Reggio-Emilia Teaching Philosophy?
The Reggio Emilia approach to childhood education views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them. Reggio educators create environments that stimulate learning, exposing children to a variety of educational opportunities that encourage self expression, communication, logical thinking and problem solving.
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The Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy follows four (4) major principles, all of which we aim to demonstrate in our curriculum at every age and learning level.
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Emergent Curriculum: The classroom’s curriculum stems from the interests of the children, with topics derived from communications with the child, their families and the community around us.
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In-Depth Projects: Projects are introduced as adventures, providing the opportunity for thorough studies of concepts and ideas, with topics chosen based on the information gathered about the child’s interests.
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Representational Development: The Reggio approach calls for the presentation of new ideas and concepts in multiple forms, such as print, art, drama, music, role-playing and so on, ensuring that all children have the chance to understand and connect with the concepts being explored.
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Collaboration: Collaboration is seen as necessary to further a child’s cognitive development, therefore, group work is encouraged to problem-solve using dialogue, comparisons, negotiations, and other important interpersonal skills.
In all of these principals, it is important that each child’s voice is heard, promoting a balance between a sense of self and community.
What We Teach
At Kindred Spirits Day School we have custom crafted a curriculum that ensures we are consistently promoting the growth of each child, inspiring their young minds and setting them up for a lifetime of learning. Our curriculum combines a wide selection of subjects, extends the learning beyond the walls of the classroom and promotes inquiry in both a conscious and adaptable manner.
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We strongly believe that children who are taught in a wholistic and nurturing environment, develop a deep love of learning that will continue to inspire them throughout their life.
Academics
Students are taught academics through
an experience-rich curriculum that promotes inquiry, critical thinking and
a deep love of learning.
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Mathematics
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Literacy
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Science
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Social Studies
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French
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Visual & Performing Arts
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Physical Education
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Health & Wellness
Life Skills
Students further enhance their learning through lessons focused on teaching
important life skills that foster their independence and confidence.
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Nutrition
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Agriculture
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Cooking / Baking
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Woodworking
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Sewing & Crafting
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Organization
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Budgeting
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Safety & First Aid
Personal Development
Students are further empowered through conscious work on the self, focused on connecting mind, body and spirit through breath-work, meditation and yoga.
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Mindfulness
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Yoga
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Intentions & Affirmations
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Breath Work & Meditation
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Self-Regulation
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Leadership Skills
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Collaboration
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Self-Evaluation
Our Daily Flow
Opening Circle -
Intentions/Affirmations, Breath Work, Yoga and Story Share
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Curriculum Block 1 -
Academic subjects from both the Ontario Curriculum and our own collection of supplementary subjects
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Curriculum Block 2 -
Academic subjects from both the Ontario Curriculum and our own collection of supplementary subjects
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Lunch -
Daily community lunch time with nutritional, primarily plant-based meal, all of which is made on-site using only organic and fresh ingredients.
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Nature Exploration -
A weekly rotation of forest school activities, agriculture and garden work, nature walks and animal care / connection
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Curriculum Block 3 -
Academic subjects from both the Ontario Curriculum and our own collection of supplementary subjects
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Reflection -
Daily reflection period with a blend of meditation, journaling, silent reading and reflective story share
As a mother, I saw a need for a more holistic education platform; therefore, our approach is one that is heart-centred and focused on fostering the unique gifts of each student in a nurturing, inspiring and loving environment.
~ Melinda DeNicola, Founder
