Experiential learning is the process of learning through experience, and is also defined as "learning through reflection on doing". The Early Childhood Center (ECC) purpose is to have students harness natural curiosity, master foundational learning skills, question the world around them, and build trusting relationships. Our students learn through inquiry and play, and our well-resourced learning spaces offer abundant opportunities to develop these skills and prompt collaboration.

“I believe that it is important for students to learn by doing with the ECC environment, because it allows them to actively construct an understanding of the concepts and processes they engage with. It's so much fun to see them explore and ask questions about their surroundings.” - Phil Rynearson

When asked how the vegetables went from seeds to harvesting point, our student Frederik said: “First you make a mini volcano of soil, then you put the seed in, then you give it water and it just starts growing. I helped grow those and those vegetables. And my favorite part is eating them.” 

“Here we have a big sunflower and a fat courgette that I helped plant. There are worms in the soil and I asked my mom to buy worms for our garden at home. Now that the pumpkin is big and has seeds inside, I will take some seeds and eat it, and I’ll take one and plant it.” - Finnin 

The environment at the Early Childhood Center provides lots of opportunities for students and teachers to make connections with the concepts and skills they are working with in the classroom, and helps them construct even deeper understandings of the world around them.

#ASHexperience
#JoyfulLearningEnvironments