Approach to Learning

The New Dimensions School Curriculum Principles and Core Values:

• The New Dimensions School views competence and intelligence as multifaceted. The New Dimensions School staff considers all curriculum areas and learning opportunities as different ways for children to express competence. Nontraditional academic areas such as art are viewed as equally important as, for example, reading, as a context for academic achievement.
• Children's self-directed engagement is viewed as the foundation for learning. The activities that make up the fabric of children's life are seen as the contexts for using interests in one area as the foundation for learning in other areas.
• The New Dimensions School offers multiple entry points into the curriculum. Activity-rich learning opportunities are viewed as different pathways for children to enter into learning that is self-directed.
• The New Dimensions School emphasizes curricular context. The New Dimensions School staff stimulates interests in making discoveries, constructing meaning, creating and testing new ideas, and reflecting on one's own abilities and accomplishments.
• The New Dimensions School staff builds on children's assets and strengths. Identifying, acknowledging, building on, and celebrating students' assets and strengths are the heart and soul of The New Dimensions School curriculum. The belief that all children have assets and strengths as well as the capacity to become more competent is the cornerstone of this approach to learning.
• The New Dimensions School gives teachers and students the license to learn. Learning by doing and learning to learn, are not only encouraged but are the measure of success par excellence. Teachers are encouraged to try new things, and students are encouraged to experiment, discover, explore, and learn to love learning.
• The New Dimensions School redefines the meaning of gifted and talented. The New Dimensions School considers every child gifted and talented in some aspect or aspects of their lives. Discovering, celebrating, and building on these special abilities are what The New Dimensions School is all about.

NOTE: These principles and core values are adapted from and based on the successful work done by Project Spectrum at Harvard University.

Chen, J. Q., Isberg, E., & Krechvsky, M. (Vol. Eds.). (1998) Project Zero frameworks for early childhood education: Vol. 2. Project Spectrum: Early learning activities. (H.Gardner, D. H. Feldman, & M. Krechevsky, Series Eds.). New York: Teachers College Press.

Chen, J. Q., Krechevsky, M., Viens, J., & Isberg, E. (Vol. Eds.). (1998). Project Zero frame-works for early childhood education: Vol. 1. Building on children's strengths: The experience of Project Spectrum. (H. Gardner, D. H. Feldman, & M. Krechevsky, Series Eds.). New York: Teachers College Press.