My child is very young, will they really be able to be responsible for so much?

When a child is shown, in a clear and direct way, what is expected, has a chance to practice without fear of comment or judgement and to make mistakes and correct them independently, a child will begin to be inspired to do things themselves because of an inner drive to be active members of the culture and society around them. Within the classroom, the consistent expectations coupled with the careful, individual presentations for the youngest children, allow the child to know how to do what is expected and take pride in their abilities. The guides will meet the child where they are and support them toward greater independence as the child is ready. In the meantime, the child can watch and get assistance from their amazing peer group of older children who are modelling a high level of skill and independence.

There is so much going on at once, how do teachers keep track of each child’s progress?

The classroom guide, with support of the assistant guides, is constantly observing to see what children are interested in, what they are repeating, and what they have mastered, keeping careful records of where each child is within the curriculum, and what they are ready for next. When the adult works one-on-one or in a small group, the adult makes careful notes about each individual’s level of skill and mastery with the material.

Without tests, how does the teacher know what my child knows?

Through the lessons and presentations the adult gives, the classroom guide can verify a child’s comfort level with a material and make note of what they have mastered and what they need practice with. The guide also observes the children, often taking photos, to get a sense of the child’s level of skill with a subject.