The Walnut Grove has a unique curriculum that combines the comfort of an intimate and welcoming environment with a  Reggio, research driven curriculum. We are committed to providing an environment that is joyful and free spirited- but also a place of deep exploration, that promotes multi-sensorial experiences that are foundational and connective. We split up our projects into self directed, instinctive, occasionally spontaneous, and open ended play with skill based explorations in a small groups with a responsive teacher.

An authentic connection with a teacher takes time and patience - and the learning becomes a layered process that builds upon past experiences and comes from a focused spontaneity. It is a place where meaningful conversation can take place between the children, as a group, and a trusted mentor. We draw inspiration from a variety of institutions that include the Exploratorium, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Segni Mossi, Anji Play, the wonderful teachers of the Reggio Emilia tradition, and a variety of others. These frameworks inspire us to use sound, lights, storytelling, and science to create projects that stimulate the children - but most importantly create a spontaneous joy and sense of community.

We always use the highest quality art supplies to give the children a feel for  the medium and often use our professional microscope and full scale kiln to finish off work. Our set of giant Discovery Playground foam blocks, Community Playthings wooden blocks, and mud kitchen support engineering skills in our outdoor space. Though these things are not essential, they lend a meaningful component to our work where children can experience quality resources. The journey is always our ultimate  focus- to create create a zone of unconstrained inventiveness. Numeracy and literacy techniques are consistently integrated into our activities in subtle and meaningful ways. Our projects almost always incorporate multiple views and expansive space/times so that the children can slowly learn through repetition and consistency.

Our goal is cultivate a spirit and energy where children feel confident in a variety of skills and modes of thinking. Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasizes the space as a third teacher. Our space consists of a magical library brimming with books and our  chest for dramatic play - or our open ended underwater sea room that is both sleeping room, but also a canvas for an array of open ended activities - which include light explorations and all sorts of engineering activities. Our outdoors is a space for water and messy play. We also have a beautiful vegetable garden that supports pollinators and provides much of our lunch.

Documentation is an indispensable way for us to communicate with the parents but also expand our own insight into effective ways of developing the curriculum. Documentation happens through photographs, words, and in-depth conversations between teachers. Some of our documentation takes place through our private instagram where parents can get a window into our day and use it to interact with the children at the end of their day.  At the end of the year, we take those photos and art and conversations and compile a book that is unique to each child.