The educational philosophy of George Cottage is inspired by the work of educators from Reggio Emilia, Italy, and has led to the adoption of an open-ended and child-centered curriculum that includes elements adapted from Reggio Emilia and based within our own context.
This structure emphasizes exploration and hands-on learning based on the interests of the children and teachers in each group and has the flexibility to be transformed within every class based on each child's needs.
An important element of the curriculum is the organization of children’s experiences with a focus on interacting with a wide variety of open ended materials. This includes not only traditional media, such as paint and clay, but additional modes of expression such as light, shadow, and sound.
We work to ensure that children are learning by "doing" rather than by watching a teacher, encouraging as many hands-on activities as possible for all children. This allows them to participate in a holistic learning approach with the teacher interacting at the child's level.
The focus is always on the process of learning and not the end product. A print-rich environment is provided in all classrooms and children’s development of language, symbol systems (pre-writing and pre-reading knowledge), and critical thinking are supported and encouraged.