Jardín de infancia según la tradición de EMS
Field Trips and Experiential Learning in Kindergarten
At Eastern Mennonite Elementary School, kindergarten transcends the mere introduction to formal education; it establishes a robust foundation for literacy and math while nurturing self-awareness and self-esteem. Central to this approach is the focus on field trips and experiential learning, pivotal in molding well-rounded individuals. Lead by the fearless and amazing Ms. Mast, kindergarten students go on adventures to a flower farm, place orders at a local Spanish restaurant, visit family homes, explore VMRC, and traverse the farmer’s market and local quarry. They venture to the Massanutten Regional Library, practice safe street crossing, ride buses, and delve into biking etiquette, safety, and basic maintenance. Each year, the field trips evolve, shaped by the unique connections of that particular class, but the resounding message for these kindergarteners remains crystal clear:
“You are capable.”
Experiential learning through field trips teaches our students to be community members. Engaging in whole-body, hands-on activities, children hone their communication and interpersonal skills through practice. This immersive approach equips students to adapt in dynamic environments, learn to engage with adults and community members, and embrace challenges, including the remarkable feat of walking almost a mile to reach a field trip destination without complaint! Weekly excursions present invaluable opportunities for exploration, inquiry, and a deeper understanding of their surroundings. By stepping outside the traditional classroom, students navigate real-world situations with curiosity and resilience, perfectly aligning with their developmental stage as hands on learners.
Science Backs This Approach
Neuroscientific research underscores the benefits of experiential learning for children aged 5–6, whose brains are in a rapid state of development. At this age, they thrive through hands-on experiences and active engagement, reinforcing cognitive growth by intertwining new information with real-world contexts. This approach enhances memory retention and problem-solving abilities, allowing children to explore, experiment, and grasp concepts in a practical manner. Furthermore, experiential learning encourages creativity, critical thinking, and social skills—essential ingredients for holistic development.
Doing Hard Things
Our kindergarteners are learning perseverance and determination. By confronting challenges, students cultivate adaptability, critical thinking, and confidence—vital skills for life. This is true both outside and inside the classroom. In the classroom, students engage in activities designed to cultivate essential life skills:
- Exploration and Choice:
Classroom areas offer seasonal sensory tables, reading loft, woodworking, imaginative play, group play which reinforce what they have learned on field trips. - Outdoor Play:
Outdoor, natural playground and outdoor classroom area. - Kitchen Skills:
Preparing class snacks include lessons in reading, measuring, and understanding nutrition. Students also eat what they make and clean up their snack. Parents are delighted they bring these skills (and recipes) home, too. - Literacy and Communication:
Group circles enhance vocabulary, active listening, and math skills. - Intergenerational Connections:
Partnerships with older students through lunchtime cultivate friendships and integration across grades, especially with science and reading buddies and EMS committees, who work together to plan and execute spirit days.
EMS shapes students who are poised to embrace the world with open minds and hearts.
Come see for yourself!
- Jueves, 15 de octubre
- Martes, 27 de octubre
Nota: Las solicitudes para el jardín de infancia se aceptarán para el año escolar 2027-28 del 1 de noviembre al 31 de diciembre de 2026.
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