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Daily schedule with room for flexibility.

At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we recognize one size does not necessarily fit all. We have a general schedule for how the day should go but value a lot of flexibility to follow natural curiosity and progression of exploration, as directed by the children. The children need a relaxed pace with ample time to explore. We aim to help children make connections between various topics and activities that they are interested in, without having a pre-programmed curriculum or prescribed schedule to follow. This also means that teachers are not planning elaborate projects or learning points in advance – they’re allowing projects to emerge based on the interests of the children while still meeting learning outcomes and goals. Teachers will introduce new topics or ideas to a group, typically based on natural seasonal activities and changes. These new ideas will be explored further if the children show an interest.

 

Basic Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we utilize the best practices from various educational pedagogies-- Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio, Whole Child Education, Forest School Theory, and Play-based Learning-- without being limited by the rigidity of ascribing to just one philosophy. By being flexible and in constant evaluation of what is best for child development and learning, we innovate and create a program designed for our student’s current needs, interests, and growth.

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Some key aspects of our program:

• Gentle guidance

• Small, intimate learning environment

• Teachers are co-learners

• Following the interests of the children

• Social and emotional learning is more important that academic 

• Respect for nature and environmentally sustainable practices

• Use of natural materials and mindful class setting

• Loose parts play (with no set way on how a toy should be played with)

• Lots of outdoor time 

• Creative play and free play encouraged

• Many varieties of ways to explore with arts and materials

• Respectful and mindful expressions

• Learning self-regulation tools, self- expression, and how to identify feelings

• Problem solving, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills

• Exploring our community

• Valuing differences and diversity

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Please read more about:

 

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