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Philosophy[email protected]2018-09-29T17:34:45-04:00
“The Wonder of Learning – The Art of learning already exists in the hands of children deeply sensitive to the pleasure of surprise. The pleasure of learning, of knowing, of understanding is one of the first, fundamental sensations each human being expects from experiences faced alone or with others”
Philosophy
At La Piazza, we believe children are unique, highly capable beings who develop at their own pace. It is the role of educators to nurture, support, and celebrate each child as an individual.
Inspired by social constructive theory and the Reggio Emilia approach to education, La Piazza educators facilitate learning using experiential activities that challenge students to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment. Innovative curriculum and supportive teachers encourage students to tackle problems as well as to embrace adventures and challenges rooted in real life situations. Within a supportive and collaborative environment, children are safe to take risks, ask questions and explore new intellectual and emotional territories.
We believe strongly in principles of respect, responsibility, and community. Our creative approach to childhood education values the capability and innate curiosity in each child. Children thrive in an educational environment rich in exploration and discovery fueled by their natural ability to wonder. Learning is a happy, exciting experience where teaching and learning is guided by the needs and interests of our children.
“The Wonder of Learning – The Art of learning already exists in the hands of children deeply sensitive to the pleasure of surprise. The pleasure of learning, of knowing, of understanding is one of the first, fundamental sensations each human being expects from experiences faced alone or with others”
– Loris Malaguzzi Founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach
Progressive Education
Growing out of the philosophies of Jean Piaget and John Dewey, progressive education evolved to prepare children to be active participants in a democratic society.
We believe in “learning by doing”. Children learn best when they are dynamically engaged with their education. We know education is successful when children are inspired to delve broadly and deeply into learning.
Progressive education provides the tools for active learning that utilize the innate curiosity in all children. Our way of teaching cultivates the ability to wonder, to question, to explore, to discover, to think critically, and to be compassionate as students pursue their interests while mastering the skills required to be happy, effective members of society.
Our style of education embraces the whole child and acknowledges the multitude of learning styles in which students acquire and absorb information. Assessments are to learn rather than to rank. Mistakes are welcomed as learning opportunities. Our village – children, faculty, and parents – participate in decision making. The result is open-minded children who are creative, critical thinkers, leaders of self-advocacy as well as willing participants in the community. At La Piazza Academy, students are compassionate, cooperative, hard-workers who express themselves with confidence, courage, insight, and intuition.
Ages 1-2
The infant brain contains billions of cells that have yet to be connected into functioning networks. The brain eliminates connections that are seldom or never used. in other words, if you do not use them, you lose them.
La Piazza’s Approach
Our educators recognize the uniqueness of each child. We stimulate children through their senses to connect the most number of brain cells. This is accomplished via unstructured play, social interaction and sensory exploration.
Ages 2-3
As the brain continues to develop, so does the child’s ability to form relationships. They start to understand a sense of self and how they fit into the world around them.
La Piazza’s Approach
We confront challenges as opportunities. And we read, play and attach words to feelings to help them learn to negotiate through challenges. Children start to understand others’ emotions and actions and start to put oneself in another’s shoes.
Ages 3-4
Children start recognizing own feelings, they also start to understand others’ emotions and begin to develop empathy.
La Piazza’s Approach
Educators allow self-directed study, tailoring lessons to children’s interests. This approach fosters self-confidence, encouraging children to express their ideas in a group and demonstrating critical-thinking skills. Pre-literacy skills and pre-math skills are present during different daily experiences at this stage in an organic way.
Age 5
Children have a broader understanding of the world around them and how it relates to their senses of self and other people; they develop skills in problem-solving and self-regulation.
La Piazza’s Approach
We focus on experiences that help the child learn independence; by this time, our children have developed skills in problem-solving, self-regulation, and high self-esteem, meeting our educational goals and preparing them for their next steps as life-long learners. Pre-literacy skills and pre-math skills are present during different daily experiences we make sure they are ready for any kindergarten curriculum.
21st Century Learning
As facts are increasingly at our fingertips, the role of education must be to teach children “how to think, not what to think”. La Piazza Academy offers innovative curriculum that teaches students to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively in a dynamic world. Our responsibility is to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities they will face as members of the global community. It is our joy to ignite the spark for a life-long love of learning.
Our cutting-edge curriculum and modern facilities offer students the tools they need to be problem-solvers, innovators, and explorers. La Piazza graduates are uniquely prepared to participate as academically brilliant, reflective, responsible citizens and enthusiastic, engaged members of the global community. Through an interdisciplinary approach to learning, we offer high quality STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) learning opportunities so our children can master the skills necessary to explore and engage with the world.
One of the many highlights of our campuses is the Atelier. The bright art studio offers a beautiful space for children to mold mixed media into original creations. The Atelier is a significant component of La Piazza’s collaborative curriculum where students expand their imaginations as they turn concepts into realities.
Campuses
CORAL GABLES CAMPUS
La Piazza Academy, with approximately 15,000 SF of interior and exterior natural space offers a state of the art, modern, safe, and comfortable environment, where children can experience, discover, explore, grow, and learn important interdependence & readiness skills to become life- long learners.
CLASSROOMS
- Are open, natural, and carefully arranged to promote active and intentional learning.
- Interest Areas include: Mini-Atelier/Art Studio, Early Literacy, Block Building, House/Family, Music, Creative Movement, Science and Social Studies Areas.
ART STUDIO / ATELIER
- Creativity and Exploration of various forms of Art Media
- Clay, Collage, Painting, Beading, and Construction
- Light & Shadow Play
- Multi-Sensory Play
LA PIAZZA
This is the place of gathering where children from all classrooms get together as one group and share the same environment.
OUTDOOR AREA
Natural Playground, Butterfly Garden, Outdoor Lunch Area, Water & Sensory Space, and our Community Garden, where children have the opportunity to have a direct relationship with nature.
COCONUT GROVE CAMPUS: COMING IN FALL 2016
Community
The strength of our village is directly linked to a child’s success in school. Parents, teachers, peers, and the community all contribute to the well-rounded education of a child. Every parent in the school is a valued member of our parent volunteer organization. The parent volunteer organization provides numerous opportunities in which every parent can find a comfortable way to offer time, talent, energy and ideas in support of La Piazza Academy. Our parent volunteers are organized into four committees that support the staff and students, build relationships with the community, as well as fundraise for the school. We also welcome parents to enrich classroom experiences.
