The Wonder Studio Curriculum

The Wonder Studio curriculum is in its 15th year of life.

Designed by Shannon Lipan, M.Ed…it comes from a combination of philosophies, research, developmentally appropriate practices, and of course - the children!

Initially, Wonder Studio classes were modeled from the “Doing Art Together” famous program at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC paired with inspirations from the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Through years of active observations of children at Wonder Studio, the curriculum evolved into its current model. But, Shannon says - “Our Wonder Studio curriculum is ALIVE and follows the children first, then the research, and also our community and culture.”

Shannon and the Wonder Studio teachers meet and communicate regularly to engage in Professional Development. We believe in and practice being lifelong learners.

Arts, Sciencing, and Social/Emotional Skills

Scroll down to learn more.

Arts Curriculum

  • Finger/Hand painting, printmaking, painting at the easel, we use A LOT of paint. (Washable, non-toxic tempera paint) Also, watercolor.

  • Many a child has had the “Scissor” lesson at Wonder Studio :) Also, glueing. Glue wash, etc..

  • Clay (Real Potter’s clay), wire, beeswax, and other modes of sculpture.

  • Exploring the line through the media: oil pastels, chalk pastels, stub pencils, and many more.

Sciencing Curriculum

  • Chemistry! What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? Cornstarch and water? Shaving cream and watercolor?

  • Physics!

    Wind Tunnel, Pendulums, Balls and Ramps, The Water Laboratory.

  • Biology! Worms, growing seeds, ladybugs, etc..

  • Engineering, Carpentry, and Design.

    Blocks, Hammering, arranging, stacking.

Social/Emotional Curriculum

  • All humans have the need to belong. We teach our groups what belonging looks like. We care about everyone’s needs. “It is a great privilege to be in a group.”

  • Independence. Everything at Wonder Studio is designed so that children can feel empowered and strong. If it’s too hard, adults offer as much or as little support as needed for success.

  • What do I like? Even though, there are many things to do at Wonder Studio, we want children to follow their own interests. As they become more and more comfortable, they can be encouraged to try new things.

  • Phones/Devices/Distractions are put away. Adults are there to learn with and from the children. We can do so much more because adults are there with children present and engaged.

Circle Time/Whole Group Time

  • For many children, this will be their first time in a “Circle Time”. We want them to find this time as fun, nurturing, and practice for lifelong learning.

  • Learning group songs and singing together is a key part in helping young children feel connected and also learn.

    We have songs we sing Every week for repetition and we often add in new songs to keep children engaged and curious.

  • Exposure to high quality literature- researched by our teachers - and learning to listen and engage in a Story Time leads to successful, life-long learners.

  • Dance is a human instinct. Dance has been taking place in all cultures all over the world across all time. Dancing connects us as human beings and Dance is a way of bringing our children into our culture. At Wonder Studio we hope that many of the experiences we offer will become traditions in your own home. There have been so many times with my own children where having an impromptu “Dance Party” has put us all in a better mood as well as help my children know that Dance is something that we can do together as a family. It’s fun, guys. It’s expressive and it’s good for you!!!

    Quote from Brene Brown:

    The Hopi Indians have a saying, “To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.” I know how much courage it takes to let people hear our hearts speak, but life is way too precious to spend it pretending like we’re super-cool and totally in control when we could be laughing, singing, and dancing.

  • More information coming soon.

  • Yes, sometimes it can be difficult - if you have questions or concerns -reach out to your teacher.

    We have been doing this for a long time, we would love to work with you!