At Willow, we consider the outdoor natural environment to be a silent but powerful teacher. It ignites learning by inviting children to freely explore its many layers while providing a safe and functional space for engaging in stimulating physical activities.
Our purpose-built & Reggio-inspired classrooms are designed to encourage learning from experience & play, while facilitating relationship-building skills & collaboration between children. Classrooms are filled with natural, colorful, and useful materials – from musical instruments, to seashells, and pinecones – thoughtfully incorporated to promote creativity, exploration, and problem-solving skills.
Elements of light through glass walls connecting the internal & external spaces, flexible interiors, and natural materials are emphasized in the aesthetic design of the school. The layout and style allow children to explore their hundred languages while permitting unrestricted movement where desired – such as dancing, making music, or playing pretend.
There are no assigned seats in a Reggio Emilia classroom. This concept encourages organic opportunities for exploration and social engagement, sparking an absolute joy in learning for young students.
Additionally, flexible learning environments allow teachers to be responsive to the interests of children so they can build knowledge together. For example, when children are permitted to explore interests on their own – particularly in nature – they can take the time to learn and understand more about the object or concept. Teachers achieve this by encouraging the children to draw what they observed and share the drawings during class circle time or act out a feeling it provoked using pretend play. The possibilities are endless when you open the door to exploration and discover the educational power of play.
