Children learn best at their own pace through active, hands-on interactions. Children construct their own knowledge in an attempt to gain an understanding of the world around them. Content should have meaning for a child. Interest and the building of understanding is what motivates children to learn. Learning occurs in an environment that is well planned and includes a rich variety of materials, choices, and opportunities.
Children learn through social interaction with other children and adults.
Children have different ways of thinking at each stage of development and their thinking will change over time. Teachers should guide learning experiences and ask questions that encourage children to think creatively and problem solve. Parents should play a meaningful role in the school and have a good understanding of its philosophy and goals. Development occurs in a relatively orderly sequence, with later abilities, skills, and knowledge building on those already acquired. Development proceeds at varying rates from child to child as well as unevenly within different areas of each child's functioning.