Casa Feliz Play School Curriculum (2.5 to 5 years old)
At Casa Feliz Play School, early childhood education should be joyful and enriching, nurturing the whole child. Our curriculum, designed for children aged 31 months to 5 years, integrates elements from the Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Montessori approaches, emphasizing respect, cultural immersion, and play-based learning.
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Key Components
1. Play-Based Learning & Exploration
Play-Based Learning & Exploration:
We prioritize child-led and guided play to foster creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful relationships. Activities include dramatic play, constructive play with open-ended materials, sensory experiences, outdoor exploration, and Montessori practical life exercises.
Social-Emotional Development & Respectful Relationships:
Our educators build secure, trusting relationships with children, guiding them in emotional awareness, conflict resolution, empathy, and inclusion. Predictable daily routines, inspired by Waldorf education, provide a sense of security and flow.
Language, Literacy, and Cultural Immersion:
Immersion in Portuguese, with exposure to Spanish and English, creates a language-rich environment. Daily storytelling, songs, and cultural music enhance vocabulary and cultural appreciation, while artistic expression and respectful dialogue encourage early literacy and communication skills.
Mathematics, Science & Nature-Based Learning:
Children explore early math and science concepts through hands-on activities. Counting, sorting, nature walks, cooking projects, and simple experiments encourage curiosity and discovery. Montessori sensorial materials further refine observation and categorization skills.
Physical Development & Autonomy:
We support the development of gross and fine motor skills through outdoor play, self-care routines, and activities promoting hand-eye coordination. Mealtime rituals introduce children to diverse foods, including traditional Brazilian cuisine, fostering healthy living habits.
Our holistic, play-based, and culturally rich curriculum aims to prepare children for future learning while honoring their unique personalities and developmental rhythms. We strive to create an environment where children feel secure, respected, and deeply connected to their community and culture.
At Casa Feliz Play School, we recognize the profound impact of cohort group care on early childhood development. We foster a stable and nurturing environment by maintaining consistent, small groups of children who learn and play together under the guidance of dedicated educators. This approach enhances social bonds among peers and strengthens the child-caregiver relationship, promoting emotional security and trust. Research indicates that such continuity in care supports better cognitive, social, and emotional outcomes, as children benefit from stable relationships and a consistent learning environment.
Daily Flow & Routines
Morning Arrival & Settling In (7:30 – 8:30 AM)
– Warm welcomes in Portuguese, encouraging connection.
– Free play with open-ended toys (e.g., wooden blocks, scarves, baskets with natural objects).
– Caregivers provide unhurried drop-off support.
Breakfast & Snack (8:30 – 9:00 AM)
– Children sit together at a low table, practicing self-feeding and social interaction.
– Language-rich environment: caregivers describe foods and model simple conversations (e.g., “Obrigado” and “Por favor”).
Outdoor Exploration & Movement Play (9:00 – 10:30 AM)
– Gross motor activities: climbing, balancing, running, and cooperative games.
– Nature-based play: gardening, sand, and water play, collecting leaves and rocks.
– Sensory walks: observing plants, animals, and environmental changes.
– Loose parts play: building with wood, ropes, and natural materials.
Morning Learning Block (10:30 – 10:45 AM)
– Thematic Play & Learning Stations:
– Early literacy: reading Portuguese and bilingual books, storytelling, letter recognition.
– Math concepts: counting, sorting, simple puzzles.
– Science exploration: observing nature, simple experiments, sensory discovery.
– Art & Creativity: painting, sculpting, dramatic play.
– Music & Movement: singing Brazilian songs, dancing, playing instruments.
Lunch & Rest Preparation (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
– Independence at mealtime: self-serving, using utensils, and pouring water.
– Calm transitions to nap/rest: dim lights, soothing music, gentle stretching.
Nap/Quiet Time (12:00 – 2:00 PM)
– A restful environment with cozy bedding and a calming ambiance.
– Children who do not nap engage in quiet activities such as looking at books or drawing.
Afternoon Wake-Up & Snack (2:00 – 2:30 PM)
– Gradual wake-up, diaper changes, or bathroom breaks.
– Snack is a social moment that encourages conversation and turn-taking.
Afternoon Learning & Play (2:30 – 4:00 PM)
– Project-Based & Hands-On Activities:
– Group storytelling & puppet play.
– Dramatic play and role-playing scenarios.
– Fine motor activities: threading, beading, cutting, drawing.
– Outdoor free play & movement games.
Closing Play & Parent Pick-Up (4:00 – 5:00 PM)
– Calm play activities: puzzles, reading, soft music.
Location:
Toddler House | 8813 NE Wygant St Portland OR 97220