Creative Curriculum
Learning through exploration, discovery, and play
At First Adventures Academy, we proudly use The Creative Curriculum, a research-based, whole-child approach that promotes exploration and discovery as the foundation for learning through purposeful play. Children engage in hands-on activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. They are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, and build knowledge in ways that feel natural and engaging. This curriculum allows teachers to tailor experiences to each child’s interests and developmental level while helping them build skills across all learning domains.
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Rather than focusing on worksheets or rote instruction, children participate in hands-on investigations that invite them to ask questions, experiment, problem-solve, and think critically. These meaningful learning experiences help children build confidence, creativity, and a genuine love of learning.
What Learning Looks Like Here
Hands-On Investigations
The Creative Curriculum is organized around themed studies that typically last about six weeks, allowing children time to deeply explore a topic. These studies are based on real-world concepts that are engaging, relatable, and developmentally appropriate.
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​During each study, children explore the topic through play, experimentation, discussion, art, music, movement, and outdoor learning. This extended focus helps children make connections, revisit ideas, and build understanding over time.
Purposeful Experiences That Support the Whole Child
Intentional
Learning Centers
Classrooms are arranged with thoughtfully planned learning centers that support each study topic. These centers may include:
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Dramatic play areas
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Building and construction centers
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Art and sensory stations
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Literacy and book areas
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Science and discovery spaces
Each center is designed to reinforce what children are learning, encourage collaboration, and promote exploration across multiple areas of development.
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Rich Literacy & Circle Time Experiences
Each study includes carefully selected children’s books that introduce new vocabulary, encourage discussion, and deepen understanding of the topic. These books are used during circle time, small groups, and independent exploration.
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The Creative Curriculum also provides guidance for:
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Engaging and interactive circle time experiences
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Songs, movement, and group discussions
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Asking thoughtful questions that encourage children to share ideas and perspectives
Family Partnerships
Family involvement is an important part of The Creative Curriculum. Parents are encouraged to participate by:
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Sharing experiences or materials related to classroom studies
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Extending learning at home through simple activities or conversations
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Staying connected through teacher communication and updates
This partnership helps create consistency between home and school and strengthens each child’s learning experience.
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Meaningful Observation & Growth
Teachers regularly make quality observations of each child’s play, interactions, and learning. These observations help track developmental progress, guide future planning, and ensure that each child is supported across all learning domains — social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
Child-Led, Teacher-Guided Learning
One of the most powerful aspects of The Creative Curriculum is its emphasis on following the child’s lead. Teachers carefully observe children’s interests and use those observations to guide learning experiences.
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The curriculum’s detailed guidebooks support teachers by:
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Suggesting open-ended questions that spark conversation and critical thinking
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Providing guidance on how to build on children’s interests as they emerge
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Offering ideas for adapting activities to meet children at different developmental levels
This ensures learning remains meaningful, engaging, and responsive to each child.
"We do not need to teach creativity, but rather inspire its daily practice."
- Diane Darrow
A Thoughtful, Play-Based Approach
The Creative Curriculum allows children the freedom to explore while providing teachers with the structure and tools needed to create intentional, engaging learning experiences. At First Adventures Academy, this approach ensures that every child is learning in a way that feels natural, joyful, and meaningful — laying a strong foundation for lifelong success.