Our Curriculum

Our core curriculum was developed by our owner and CEO, Ellen Farnsworth. 

Our Crabapple Academy Legacy Curriculum reflects a Renaissance Approach to Early Childhood.    

Unlike traditional approaches, which may treat art as a supplementary activity, our curriculum places art history at its core, using it as a springboard for holistic child development.  Our aim isn’t to deliver a formal art history lecture, but rather to ignite a spark of curiosity and appreciation for visual art. 

This involves careful selection of artworks and artists throughout history, adaptation of presentation, and a focus on hands-on, creative engagement. Each month focuses on a different artist, providing a rich tapestry of styles, techniques, and cultural perspectives.    Weekly themes derived from the artist’s work are then seamlessly integrated into all aspects of the curriculum, from language arts and mathematics to music, movement, and dramatic play.

 The program transcends the mere appreciation of art; it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression. Children actively engage in art-making activities, recreating techniques, interpreting themes, and developing their unique artistic voices.    Creating visually engaging and informative displays of children's artwork is a crucial aspect of celebrating their achievements and communicating their learning journey to parents and colleagues. Moving beyond simply accumulating artwork, we consider thoughtful strategies for organization, presentation, and the overall impact of the display. The aim is not just to showcase the final products but also to highlight the process, the child's individual style, and the developmental milestones achieved. 

Using photographs as a communication tool extends the reach of our documentation efforts far beyond the classroom walls. It allows us to share the vibrant energy and tangible progress of each child with their parents in a way that traditional methods often can't match. A well-chosen photograph can capture the intensity of concentration on a child's face as they meticulously paint, the collaborative laughter during a group project, the quiet pride in their accomplishment upon completing a challenging task, or the innate joy of outdoor play. These images serve as powerful visual narratives, supplementing and enriching the written reports and anecdotal observations that also form part of our communication strategy.

    Our curriculum goes beyond individual expression; it also fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration. Collaborative art and community events and displays encourage teamwork, socialization and the celebration of diverse perspectives.  

Through the thoughtful integration of art, narrative, documentation and hands-on experiences, our curriculum provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning for each child in our care. This is the aim of our Crabapple Academy Legacy Curriculum. The children are our labor of love, our inspiration and our masterpieces at Crabapple Academy.