Curriculum Overview
At Mindful Journey Academy, we embrace a holistic approach to education, inspired by the Waldorf philosophy and the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. We believe that each child is a unique individual, and our curriculum is designed to nurture their innate abilities, foster creativity, and cultivate a love for learning. Our approach centers around the belief that the child is the curriculum, and our goal is to support each child in discovering and expressing their authentic self.
Core Principles
Our curriculum is guided by the following principles:
1. Emphasizing the Whole Child: We recognize the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual aspects of each child. Our curriculum is designed to foster the development of the whole child, allowing them to grow into well-rounded individuals.
2. Matching Specific Stages of Child Development: We understand that children go through distinct stages of development, and our curriculum is tailored to meet the unique needs of each stage. By aligning our teaching methods with the developmental capacities of the child, we provide an enriching and supportive learning environment.
3. Integrating the Arts Throughout: The arts play a central role in our curriculum, enriching every aspect of learning. Through storytelling, music, drama, and visual arts, children engage with academic subjects in a creative and imaginative way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them.
4. Embracing Multiple Intelligences: We recognize that children have diverse learning styles and strengths. Our curriculum incorporates activities and experiences that appeal to different intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence.
Subject Areas and Content
Language Arts:
Our language arts curriculum encompasses a rich array of activities, including storytelling, recitation, speech exercises, literature exploration, and writing exercises. Through these activities, children develop language proficiency, creative expression, and critical thinking skills.
Mathematics:
From exploring the quality of numbers to mastering mathematical operations, our mathematics curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in mathematical concepts. Through hands-on activities and real-world applications, children develop problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency.
Science:
Our science curriculum explores the wonders of the natural world through hands-on exploration and observation. From animal and nature studies to gardening and sustainability projects, children develop a deep appreciation for the environment and gain an understanding of scientific principles.
Social Studies:
Our social studies curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, including community awareness, local and world history, geography, and multicultural studies. Through interactive lessons and experiential learning opportunities, children develop a global perspective and an understanding of their place in the world.
Foreign Languages:
Our foreign language curriculum introduces children to the Spanish language through interactive activities such as games, poems, and songs. As children progress, they develop reading, writing, and grammar skills, building on their oral proficiency.
Music: Music is woven throughout our curriculum, providing opportunities for children to explore rhythm, melody, and harmony. From learning to play musical instruments to participating in choirs and musical performances, children develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
Art:
Our art curriculum encourages children to explore their creativity through various artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and crafts. Through artistic expression, children develop fine motor skills, visual literacy, and a sense of aesthetic appreciation.
Drama:
Drama plays a vital role in our curriculum, allowing children to explore their imagination and creativity through role-playing, puppetry, and staged performances. Through dramatic expression, children develop confidence, communication skills, and empathy.
Handwork:
Our handwork curriculum encompasses a range of traditional crafts, including knitting, crocheting, sewing, and woodworking. Through hands-on activities, children develop practical skills, patience, and a sense of accomplishment.
Farm Work:
At Mindful Journey Academy, we believe in the importance of connecting children with nature and teaching them the value of hard work and responsibility. Our farm work curriculum provides children with hands-on experience caring for animals, tending to gardens, and maintaining the farm infrastructure. From feeding animals and collecting eggs to building cages and setting up watering systems, children learn practical skills while developing a deeper understanding of the natural world. Additionally, children actively participate in the cleaning and maintenance of animal pens, creating schedules and working alongside staff to ensure the well-being of our farm animals.
Physical Education:
Our physical education curriculum promotes physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork through a variety of activities, including folk dancing, gymnastics, outdoor games, and horseback riding. Through physical activity, children develop a healthy lifestyle and a lifelong appreciation for movement.
At Mindful Journey Academy, we believe that education is a journey of discovery, creativity, and growth. Our curriculum reflects our commitment to nurturing the whole child and empowering each individual to reach their full potential.
Curriculum chart