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PHILOSOPHY & CURRICULUM
At Chickpeas, 3 and 4 year olds are part of one group, fostering an environment where the younger children learn from the older ones, while older children have the opportunity to mentor, reinforcing recently acquired skills and building their confidence as they prepare for kindergarten.
The Chickpeas curriculum reflects important aspects of the progressive Bank Street philosophy, which maintains that young children can best satisfy their curiosity and develop their potential through play in an unhurried, supportive setting. Teachers use an emergent curriculum to create units of study where the topics arise from interests and/or questions children demonstrate during their play. In the past, this has included units on whales, how to cook, bats, outer space, how things are made, travels around the world, etc.
Chickpea kids are learning how to interact with each other and the world around them. Teachers provide vital guidance, helping them figure out how to resolve disputes, handle frustrations, and collaborate constructively. We encourage independence and create an environment that encourages kids to try new things.
As a DOE 3-K and PreK for all school, we also use the Department of Early Childhood Education curriculums, Pre-K Units of Study and 3K Connections. Both of these curriculums directly align with our personal education approach to units of study and child-led learning. This curriculum and it's units are designed to promote inquiry, critical thinking, language development, and problem-solving through play-based exploration, read-alouds, and family engagement. They align with the New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards and build a foundation for kindergarten social studies and science. Units are kept broad, allowing for teacher and student variations to be made, tailoring learning to the group and their needs. Topics that are explored include senses, identity, community, transportation, light, water, plants, babies, and transformation.
Chickpeas also takes monthly field trips to local spots and establishments in the community such as Terrace Bagels, the fire station, the public library, Hootenanny, Tiny Scientist, Puppetworks, etc. Additionally, the Chickpeas children visit Prospect Park weekly, weather permitting, from October through May. These trips allow us to take in the changing seasons, engage with our community, visit the farmers market, and play in our fabulous local park.
It is our firm belief that a classroom is a living and breathing space, that should change and flow with the needs of our students. Our goal is create a truly unique classroom each year, with our little learners guiding the way!
