Student-Centered Environment

There is an emphasis on students' learning, less on teachers' teaching.  Students get to choose how they learn.

Safe and Nurturing Environment

The environment is designed to meet the needs, interests, abilities, and development of the students. The class is set up in a manner to engage students and spark their creativity through the use of various manipulatives and work areas.

Hands-On Learning

Students rarely learn from text or workbooks. In most cases, hands-on contact with concrete models allow children to learn with much deeper understanding.

Movement and Freedom

The environment encourages children to move about. There typically is a limited amount of desks. Students use tables, floors, and work areas to complete learning activities. Teachers facilitate student movement around the classroom giving students choice in their learning activities.

Self-directed Activity

A key concept is the idea of giving students a large block of uninterrupted time in which children are driven by their desire to become independent learners and gain a love for learning.