Spark Studio
Spark Studio is a place where our youngest learners (ages 4.5-6) come together to explore the world around them. Following an emergent curriculum driven by the child's natural curiosity, the Spark Studio Program is experiential and intended to cultivate a love for learning. We focus on playful learning to increase confidence, emotional intelligence, social skills, and independence. Children use hands-on materials to build a strong foundation of core skills and have extended time each day (2+ hrs) for outdoor exploration and free play.
PLAYFUL LEARNING IN SPARK STUDIO
Learners in Spark Studio spend 50% of their week playing outside, rain or shine. Studies show that, by contrast, conventional kindergarten classrooms are sacrificing the discovery and critical thinking skills that arise through play in favor of academics. At TVS, Playful Learning is a hallmark of our learning design and sets us apart from other preschool and kindergarten programs that say they are play based but don't dedicate the time to play that children at this age need. In Spark Studio, children learn leadership, collaboration and problem solving through play. Children who begin their school experience in Spark Studio are equipped, with the foundational skills and character traits, to succeed in any learning environment.
Daily Schedule:
8:30 AM Arrival
8:45 AM Morning Circle
9:00 AM Montessori Work Cycle
11:00 AM Project Time
12:00 PM Lunch
12:30 PM Outdoor Play
2:30 PM Afternoon Work Cycle
3:00 PM Studio Maintenance
3:15 PM Close
3:30 PM Dismissal
What is included in each time block?
Morning Circle and Closing Circle: Whole class discussions and Community meetings.
Montessori Work Cycle: Individual and small group work in math, reading, writing, science, and practical life using Montessori materials.
Outdoor Play: Loose parts play. Nature play. Cooperative games and investigations.
Project Time: Visual arts, dramatic arts, musical arts with a focus on facilitating divergent thinking.
Meet the Guides:
What Makes Spark Studio Special:
Time Outdoors: We spend at least two hours outside every afternoon. This time for unstructured play is crucial for connecting with nature, getting exercise, building muscles, improving mood, developing social-emotional skills, and building community by working and playing together.
Exhibitions: Exhibitions are held at least three times a year and offer a window for parents to peer into their child's daily activities at school. What are they learning? What are they proud of? What excites them about learning and ignites their curiosity? What do they want to do next?
Learner Driven Goal Setting: Even our youngest learners are setting their own goals, and we help them break them down into manageable chunks. In defining their own learning targets, children become more invested in their learning—and thus learn more.
Leadership Opportunities: Leadership opportunities abound in Spark Studio. After seeing the guides model how to read a story to the class or lead a discussion, children lead their own Community Meetings where they reflect together and solve problems in the studio, follow a schedule and help each other manage their time, and teach younger learners new concepts and procedures. The goal is really to have the learners run the studio. Yes, that's possible, even for this age group!