Creative Curriculum- Road Study at Bloomin' Preschools

Bloomin' Preschools educate the whole child, in an environment that promotes self-confidence, risk taking, creativity, and independence. The preschool program implements a research-based curriculum called Creative Curriculum. Teachers utilize Creative Curriculum study starter guides as templates to guide the implementation and exploration of project-based learning. Students actively participate in selecting their classroom study topics, fostering a sense of ownership over their learning.

Study topics serve as an effective tool for young children to acquire knowledge in science and social studies while honing skills in literacy, math, arts, and technology. These studies involve in-depth investigations that span 6-8 weeks. Examples of study topics in classrooms include exercise, pets, trees, insects, buildings, clothing, and wheels.

When beginning a study, children's existing knowledge is documented by asking, "What do I know?" Next, children are asked,  "What do I want to know?" This guides the teachers as they gather information and materials that capture the children's interest. Teachers collect books, manipulatives, and objects to enrich the classroom interest areas. These areas encompass toys and games, library, discovery, sensory, art, blocks, dramatic play, and music movement, ensuring students are engaged in learning throughout the day.

Families are encouraged to support their child's learning at school through family study letters provided at the study's start. These letters include suggestions for items to bring into the classroom and tips for home activities. At the conclusion of each study, families are invited to the classroom to witness their child's learning journey.

An example of this type of learning comes from Ms. Sabrina's Just Fours Class at Bloomin' West. The class completed a road study. The study commenced by compiling a list of students' existing knowledge about roads and their curiosity to explore more. A civil engineer visited and explained the process of creating new roads, and interactive materials were provided for hands-on learning. Activities included investigating tire treads and their role in vehicle movement.

The classroom was transformed into a construction site using kinetic sand and toy trucks, alongside the creation of tiled roads with traffic signs. For literacy, students matched lowercase letters to roads and uppercase letters to vehicles. Math activities involved using road signs to create patterns. Fine motor skills were put to use in tearing paper to craft a large traffic light and drawing roads. Additionally, students crafted road signs and discussed their importance.

The culmination of learning was showcased during a special event when parents visited to witness the students’ progress. The class hosted a Road Study Museum with a wax museum featuring student portrayals of construction workers, steersmen, civil engineers, and traffic light inventor, Garrett Morgan. Each display included a button for parents to engage with to hear playback of a student relaying information. Following this, parents toured the classroom museum as students shared their newfound knowledge.