Our play-based curriculum, Passport to Learning, is derived from the latest research, theory, and best practices in early childhood education. Through rich and thoughtful experiences, our children take on an adventure around the world as they learn developmentally appropriate skills and concepts.

At Big Blue Marble Academy, we create a safe, loving environment that nurtures the growth and development of each child through our global curriculum. As we explore the globe with your child, we are preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Through each month-long study, our children explore different countries and cultures. We celebrate the opportunity to teach children to honor our differences and appreciate the rich diversity of our communities and world. Prepared by our team of early childhood experts, our curriculum guides children through developmentally appropriate learning experiences using stories, books, music, movement and hands-on activities.

A few samples of our monthly country explorations include the following:

Kenya: Our students hear all about typical village life by reading Mama Panya’s Pancakes, explore the country’s famous wildlife, and make dresses as part of our Little Dresses for Africa Heart Project.

France: Our students learn to say “hello” in French, learn all about crepes, and practice their measuring and math skills as they study the height of the Eiffel Tower.

China: Our students take imaginary walks on the Great Wall, celebrate Chinese New Year with parades and music, and practice fine motor skills using chopsticks.

Brazil: Our students use gross motor skills as they pretend to raft down the Amazon river and climb to the Christ the Redeemer statue. They also develop phonological awareness skills as they begin to identify beginning letter sounds for the animals in the rainforest. 

Within each monthly country exploration, our Passport to Learning curriculum includes the following components:

Cultural Awareness

We teach our children about the world in a way that is appropriate for each age and stage of development.

Book of the Month: For each cultural unit of study, pictures and story books are carefully chosen to bring culture to life in our classrooms. Rich learning experiences that address all early learning domains are developed in conjunction with our “Book of the Month.”

World Language Exploration: Our children become aware of the multilingual world in which we live when they are exposed to introductory vocabulary from each country of study. Each month, children learn basics such as hello, goodbye, thank you, and I love you.

Early Learning Essentials

Our activities and learning experiences are designed to scaffold the growth and development of all children by addressing the early learning domains of physical development, social/emotional development, language and literacy, and cognitive development (STEAM).

Our Passport to Learning curriculum also features world language programs and character development through our Passport to Language and Passport to Community.

Passport to Community

Character Development through Mindfulness

Character education is carefully woven into our curriculum each month by focusing on a singular character trait and using mindfulness techniques to help students to better understand and appreciate their feelings.

Sample Character Traits Include: Respect, responsibility, patience, persistence, collaboration, initiative

Utilizing the designated character trait of the month, teachers first discuss and describe the character trait. Throughout each day, teachers seek opportunities to discuss the character trait in real situations and interactions with their classmates and the world around them. For example, a teacher may ask a student how it makes them feel when they are treated with respect.

Why do we teach character education through mindfulness?

• Improve their attention span and become less distractible
• Stay calm under stress
• Listen and get along better with others
• Create a caring classroom community
• Develop important social/emotional skills
• Learn how their actions affect others
• Become better citizens of their community and world

Service Learning

One of our primary goals is supporting young children on their journey to become caring, compassionate, and responsible members of society. Through our Heart Projects, our children learn that they have the ability to solve real-world problems and make meaningful contributions to the lives of others. Our young learners are challenged to think critically and creatively while practicing essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Through our service learning opportunities, children grow into good neighbors and involved citizens. Learn more about our Heart Projects here!

Passport to Language

Language Enrichment Programs

Learning a second language at an early age can help with cognitive development, increase empathy, and improve communication skills. In our Passport to Language classes, our children are learning a second language through games, music, and movement without the need for translation to English. Through complete immersion in the target language, our children learn in the most natural and effective way. And because the classes are so much fun, the children are always excited to learn more.