Reggio Emilia Inspired JK to Grade 1
The Primary Program at Summit Micro School is rooted in a child-centered philosophy that values curiosity, exploration, and connection. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our program honours the unique potential of each child and embraces learning that unfolds through relationships, play, and meaningful experiences.
We create a warm, engaging environment where children feel safe to express themselves, explore ideas, and grow at their own pace. By meeting children where they are and nurturing their natural desire to understand the world around them, we support the development of confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning—laying the foundation for deep thinking, strong relationships, and engaged, capable learners.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia
Our Primary Program reflects the core principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy—an approach that values the child as capable, curious, and full of potential. At its heart, this philosophy sees learning as a process of discovery, shaped by the child’s interests and supported by thoughtful adults and environments.
Key principles that guide our work include:
The Hundred Languages of Children – Children express themselves in many ways—through words, movement, drawing, building, storytelling, and more. We honour and encourage these diverse forms of expression.
The Environment as the Third Teacher – Classrooms are carefully designed to inspire exploration, independence, and collaboration. Materials are open-ended and accessible, encouraging creativity and connection.
Emergent Curriculum – Learning unfolds in response to the questions, interests, and investigations of the children. Teachers observe, document, and extend learning experiences in thoughtful and intentional ways.
Relationships at the Core – Strong, respectful relationships between children, educators, and families form the foundation for all learning.
Documentation as Learning – Teachers capture and reflect on the learning process through notes, photos, and displays, making thinking visible and celebrating growth.
These principles come together to create a rich early learning experience where children feel seen, supported, and inspired to learn.
Early Literacy & Numeracy
In the Primary Program, literacy and numeracy skills are developed through a balance of intentional instruction, playful exploration, and authentic learning experiences. Our approach is guided by an understanding of each child's developmental readiness, adapting to their pace and individual learning profile.
Core skills are introduced through small-group lessons, hands-on activities, games, and real-world connections that arise during inquiry and project time. As students are ready, we gradually introduce more formal tools—such as workbooks and printed materials—while explicitly teaching the learning habits they need to use them successfully, including focus, following directions, and managing tasks independently.
Our mastery-based model ensures that children develop confidence and competence in foundational skills while fostering a genuine love of learning and problem-solving.
Social-Emotional Development
Social-emotional growth is at the heart of the Primary Program and is woven into every aspect of the day. Grounded in the Reggio Emilia view of children as whole beings, we support students in developing self-awareness, emotional expression, and meaningful relationships through daily routines, group experiences, and responsive interactions.
Our classrooms are safe, nurturing spaces where children are supported in feeling their emotions fully and learning how to process them with care. We believe that every feeling is valid, and by creating space for children to name, express, and reflect on their emotions, we help them build essential tools for resilience and emotional regulation.
From morning circle to outdoor play, students are encouraged to identify and communicate their feelings, solve problems collaboratively, and build empathy through shared experiences. Teachers guide children with warmth and intention, helping them navigate conflict, express themselves respectfully, and understand others' perspectives.
These early experiences help children feel secure and connected while building the confidence and emotional foundation they need to thrive as learners and community members.
A Day in the Life of the Primary Program
Each day in the Primary Program follows a consistent and comforting rhythm that supports children's well-being and curiosity. While no two days look exactly the same, a predictable structure helps children feel secure and ready to engage.
The day begins with a warm welcome and community circle, setting the tone for connection and shared intention. Students move through a mix of guided inquiry time, outdoor play, creative exploration, and small-group activities that support early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving. Ample time is given for free play, snack, and rest, with flexibility to follow the energy and interests of the group.
Outdoor time is a vital part of every day. Students spend a minimum of two hours outside, rain or shine, exploring nature, engaging in physical activity, and extending their learning beyond the classroom. In addition to our outdoor play spaces and park visits, we make regular use of our dedicated outdoor classroom at St. Paul's Church—an extension of our learning environment where students can observe, create, and collaborate in nature. Outdoor experiences support physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive development—helping children build resilience, curiosity, and a connection to the world around them.
Transitions are calm and intentional, and the day ends as it began—with reflection and community, reinforcing a sense of belonging and closure.
Daily Schedule
8:45 AM – Arrival & Free Exploration
9:00 AM – Opening Community Circle
9:30 AM - Literacy & Numeracy Block
10:15 AM – Snack
10:30 AM – Outdoor Exploration and/or Project Time
12:00 PM – Lunch & Free Play or Rest
1:00 PM – Project Work and/or Independent Activities
1:30 PM - Outdoor Free Play at Beresford Park
2:30 PM – Snack & Reflection / Closing Circle
3:00 PM – Dismissal
We welcome you to visit and see our Primary Program in action!
“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.”