St. Margaret’s Early Childhood Development Center welcomed families and colleagues to the Preschool last week, as it showcased student projects and the school’s dynamic learning environment during the Works of Wonder exhibit.

Classrooms were transformed into multimedia student showcases, with Preschool students serving as guides. Each room had themes, ranging from “The Atelier of Light and Motion” to “The Circle of Life” to “The Language of Photography.” Preschool students shared their individual and group projects in these areas across 11 classrooms as well as the Ingrid S. Andrews Outdoor Classroom.

“With the Works of Wonder exhibit, our preschoolers had the opportunity to share their knowledge to the bigger audience of the St. Margaret’s community,” said ECDC Director Cris Lozon. “Not only were parents invited but older students and the St. Margaret’s professional community were invited to see what goes on behind the Preschool walls.”

Teachers created innovative exhibits that showcased classroom provocations and student work. In one room, children’s art work was animated using digital technology set against the backdrop of the Outdoor Classroom. Play-to-projects learning, where student interest is identified and learning built around it, was highlighted on display boards in another room. One of those was the ramp project earlier this school year, which has received praise from educators across the country.

The exhibit served a showcase of how teachers nurture and guide student discovery, how students’ gifts and talents are cultivated, and the many different creations that happen as a result in the Preschool.

“In Reggio Emilia-inspired schools like ours, there is a design of openness to community, a willingness to take risks and share ideas with peers as well as new people in the community,” Dr. Lozon said. “The WOW exhibit did just that with our young learners.”

St. Margaret’s Preschool curriculum emphasizes literacy, science and math in a play-based, research-based program that is aligned with constructivism and the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach to early-childhood education. Throughout a typical day, Preschoolers engage in purposeful play of their choosing, with expert faculty carefully observing and prompting the children’s interests, curiosities and choice of activities.