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At Oakland Saplings, we see children as capable, co-constructors of knowledge. With our emergent curriculum, we follow some of the main tenants of the Reggio Emilia philosophy. We spend time to get to know each child in our group, the group as a whole, and where their collective interests lie. We do this over time by capturing children's ideas, conversations and wonderings through documentation. It is from this documentation, shared back with the children that we begin to form the basis of our projects, growing and adapting as our shared knowledge evolves. Through years of project work in this way, the children's interests have always centered around the natural world. With this in mind, as well as the many benefits of being outside, we formed Oakland Saplings Forest School in 2022.
At Oakland Saplings we meet the child where they are. The Reggio philosophy speaks to children having 100 languages, meaning that children express themselves and learn in a multitude of ways. Our days together reflect this idea as children are offered a variety of activities and ways to engage.
We believe that at the heart of early childhood is the need for unstructured play, play that gives space for children to learn who they are. At Oakland Saplings we give ample space for play each day as this is truly the work of childhood.
Children are also offered moments of structure throughout our time together, whether it be our meeting times, focused small groups, or bird-sits. These spaces offer multiple access points and ways of expression. While our class as a whole will work on specific projects, each child decides how they are a part of it. Perhaps they will draw, build, act it out, participate in discussions, or quietly reflect ideas with a friend one on one. Each of these ways of expressing is valued in our class as it reflects the diversity of who our group is.
To learn more, please read through our FAQ, and reach out if you have any questions.
Seedlings (2s) meet 3 days, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 9:00am-12:30pm with the option to extend until 1:00pm
Saplings (3+) meet 4 days, Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-1:00pm with the option to extend until 3:00pm
City Saplings is offered to our 4+ and meets once a week on Fridays from 9:00am-1:00pm
A Typical Day at Oakland Saplings
Drop-off
Morning meeting/greet each other/set intentions for the day
Play and Exploration/small group
Snack
Play and Exploration
Bird-sit
Lunch
Games
Gratitude circle/good-byes
Pick-up
Banana Slug (Extended) Care