At Wren and Willow Montessori, we’re passionate about creating an educational environment where children feel empowered to explore, discover, and learn in a way that is meaningful to them. One of the things that makes our school so special is our use of a creative emergent curriculum alongside traditional Montessori methods. This approach seamlessly complements the Montessori philosophy, allowing us to nurture each child's natural curiosity while promoting respect, independence, and individualized learning.
What is an Emergent Curriculum?
Emergent curriculum is a flexible teaching approach where learning content evolves based on the interests and needs of the children. Instead of following a rigid, pre-planned set of lessons, our teachers observe and engage with the children to discover the themes and topics that naturally emerge in the classroom. These themes become the focus of learning, and they’re often explored across various subjects, from language and literacy to science and social studies. These interest topics get seamlessly weaved in with traditional Montessori works.
This approach allows children to take charge of their learning, diving deeper into subjects that excite them. It also creates an environment where exploration and creativity are key drivers of each child’s educational experience. At Wren and Willow Montessori, the emergent curriculum helps us meet each child where they are, supporting their growth at their own pace and in line with their unique interests.
How an Emergent Curriculum Works at Wren and Willow Montessori
The beauty of the emergent curriculum is how naturally it fits with the Montessori principles we follow. Montessori education emphasizes self-directed learning, independence, and respect for each child’s developmental process. These values align perfectly with an emergent curriculum, which centers the child as an active participant in their learning journey. Let’s take a closer look at how this plays out in our Willow House and Wren House classrooms.
Willow House: Fostering Curiosity from the Start
In Willow House, where our youngest learners begin their Montessori adventure, we start to lay the foundation for an emergent curriculum. Our teachers closely observe each child’s interests and developmental milestones to discover the topics that engage them. For example, if a group of toddlers starts showing interest in sorting objects by color, teachers might bring in more color-related activities, like color-matching games or outdoor exploration, where children can discover colors in nature.
Here, the children’s natural curiosity drives the direction of learning, and we adapt our environment to support and expand upon their interests. Montessori education is all about hands-on learning, and even our youngest students are encouraged to explore through sensory materials and activities. This approach helps foster independence and self-confidence from an early age while honoring the individual pace of each child.
Wren House: Expanding Exploration and Depth
As children grow and move into the Wren House, the emergent curriculum becomes even more dynamic. Now that children are ready to explore more complex topics, we deepen the learning experience by responding to their interests. For instance, if a group of children becomes fascinated by animals, teachers might introduce lessons on animal habitats, diets, or life cycles. These interests might lead to hands-on projects like building a birdhouse or planting a garden to observe how animals and plants interact. These explorations aren’t just confined to one subject—they integrate multiple areas of learning, like science, math, and language.
In Wren House, we embrace the Montessori principle of learning through discovery. Children are encouraged to take the lead, engaging with materials that interest them, whether that’s math manipulatives, sandpaper letters, or imaginative play. By providing a rich, stimulating environment, we let children shape their educational path while offering guidance and support when needed.
Holistic Learning Across Subjects
One of the key strengths of an emergent curriculum is its ability to integrate different learning areas. At Wren and Willow Montessori, we encourage children to make connections between subjects as they explore their interests. For example, if a child is building structures with blocks, they might also learn about balance, geometry, and even storytelling as they create narratives around their creations. This approach mirrors the Montessori philosophy of treating children as whole beings—connecting their cognitive, emotional, and social growth.
By linking a child’s passion to multiple areas of learning, we help them see the relevance of their education in the world around them. This approach not only strengthens engagement but also fosters a deeper love for learning.
The Teacher’s Role in an Emergent Curriculum
In both our Willow House and Wren House classrooms, teachers play the role of guides and facilitators. Instead of being the ones who dictate the learning, teachers observe children closely, listening to their ideas and watching for emerging themes. Based on these observations, teachers create personalized learning opportunities that are exciting, enriching, and aligned with each child’s interests.
In a Montessori setting, we also encourage children to take responsibility for their learning. Our small class sizes at Wren and Willow Montessori make it easier for teachers to provide individualized attention and adapt quickly to the needs of each child. This personal connection between teachers and students makes the emergent curriculum even more effective.
Why Emergent Curriculum Matters at Wren and Willow Montessori
By embracing an emergent curriculum, we honor the individuality of each child. This approach allows children to follow their natural curiosities, ensuring that their learning experience is meaningful and relevant. At Wren and Willow Montessori, we understand that learning is a process that cannot be rushed. Our flexible, responsive environment supports not just academic knowledge but also emotional growth, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
In both Willow House and Wren House, the emergent curriculum isn’t just a teaching method—it’s a philosophy that places the child at the center of their learning. We provide the tools, materials, and support children need to explore, create, and discover the world around them, all while following a path that’s uniquely their own. At Wren and Willow Montessori, we believe that learning is about more than memorizing facts—it’s about growing, evolving, and gaining the confidence to navigate the world with curiosity and joy.