Teachers Impacted: Olivia Scarcella, Kristen Smith, Laura Trevino
Grade Levels Impacted: ECSE or PreK
Students Impacted: 60
Description: Frog Street Curriculum is designed to enhance and support new authentic learning experiences by creating a research-based, integrated, and emotionally supportive environment that encourages children to actively explore and connect learning to their real world. Frog Street is built on the philosophy that young children learn best through active engagement and play. The curriculum provides resources and plans for learning centers that encourage children to explore concepts through manipulatives, stories, and social interaction. This is where children can act out scenarios and conduct "experiments," such as using a balance scale to compare objects. Frog Street's programs integrate STEAM projects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) that promote problem-solving and early coding skills, such as using a programmable Frog-E Robot and mat. These projects require children to apply knowledge to create a tangible solution. Daily routines like the Brain Smart, start teaching children calming strategies, like taking deep breaths and self-regulation, which prepares their brains for focused, authentic work. New vocabulary is introduced within the context of a story or activity before being used in new situations. This helps children develop receptive and expressive vocabulary needed to articulate their ideas and processes during complex investigations.