Need to make a reservation to use your Bright Horizons Back-Up Care?
Log in to Schedule Backup CareDiscovery Driven Learning
Our Proven Approach to Teaching & LearningExplorers…discoverers…thinkers…that’s what children become when they step into our classrooms. With Discovery Driven Learning™, children are investigators who get to know the world, all while discovering their creative problem-solving skills. So in the future when they’re asked to find answers, they’ll confidently recall the words from their earliest teachers: “Let’s find out!”
Get an Inside Look
Hear Rachel Robertson, VP of Education and Development, describe our science-informed framework for learning and teaching. Learn how it gives children the skills they need to reach their full potential in school and in life.
WEBINAR: Discovery Driven Learning
Hands-on, minds-on.Hear why learning through play is so important and find out how Discovery Driven Learning creates a foundation for early education at Bright Horizons.
In Discovery Driven Learning, we...
encourage questions and inquiries; value the process of learning and discovery
explore through children’s own interests
build future-ready skills such as social-emotional learning, creativity, and problem-solving for kindergarten readiness and beyond
provide joyful, playful, and inclusive environments and experiences that combine multiple learning domains
integrate care and learning through our exclusive proven instructional method
blend the theories of early childhood pioneers with contemporary science and research
In many typical programs, they...
simply focus on right answers rather than life-long learner skills
provide lesson plans driven by adult ideas and pre-planned themes
place an imbalanced focus on academic kindergarten readiness and test preparation rather than whole child development
teach through rote learning methods such as flashcards and drills
use outdated models of teaching and learning
use singular theories, outdated research, or no scientific basis at all
How It All Works
Children want to make discoveries about themselves and the world around them — and that results in exciting revelations! Discovery Driven Learning is built upon the following components:
Relationships
Communities
Environments
Teaching Methods
MAPP
Curriculum
Relationships
Teachers prioritize building trust and respect with each child, knowing that strong relationships are the foundation for learning. When children feel safe and valued, they are able to explore the world more freely, building a positive self-concept and self-confidence.
Communities
Vibrant classroom communities where children experience joyful learning, and each child, teacher, and family feels welcome. Children are capable and active participants in their own experience with unique identities, strengths, and assets. Families are valued partners.
Environments
Bright, organized classrooms are filled with rich learning materials, books, and natural objects. We carefully design our spaces and thoughtfully select materials to provide comfort and security, inspire curiosity, and foster children’s independence.
Teaching Methods
The methods, behaviors, and practices proven to build relationships and nurture children’s growth and learning. Rooted in evidence-based research, our teaching methods help “good” teachers become “great” teachers as they focus on deepening their practice and craft.
MAPP
Our assessment, planning, and portfolio process based on observations of children’s interests and needs. Teachers thoughtfully develop flexible, engaging lesson plans designed for where children are right now, and document, assess, and communicate learning with families.
Curriculum
World at Their Fingertips®, our whole-child curriculum including STEM, literacy, social-emotional wellness, the arts, and much more. Our curriculum honors the joy of childhood, encourages children to pursue their interests, and builds foundation skills and knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Discovery Driven Learning
What is an example of Discovery Driven Learning?
OPEN
Discovery Driven Learning can start with children’s questions, such as, “How do birds fly?” or “Why is the sky blue?” Instead of just giving answers, teachers help students think, investigate, and explore — and find their own answers along the way.
How do teachers use this framework?
OPEN
With Discovery Driven Learning, teachers base daily activities on children’s interests and questions, instead of creating lesson plans that follow pre-set topics. Teachers encourage hands-on experiences that make early education fun and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
What does Discovery Driven Learning look like in a classroom?
OPEN
In an early learning center or educational daycare, you might see children exploring books about a certain topic, making predictions and investigating through science experiments, participating in dramatic play, or a number of other activities. You’ll likely see children in control, with teachers there to guide them.
Get Started Today
Find a center near you to get started with Bright Horizons