Classes

The teachers in the Adventure classes focus on guidance of rapidly blossoming social relationships (whether encouraging friendships or helping to resolve differences), helping instill self-control, and nurturing the decision-making process.

The groups of playmates are larger and attention spans have broadened to allow for projects spanning a few weeks. The children are also exposed in an age-appropriate way to academics. Activities such as baking, making play dough and silly putty, and circle time with books and discussions are the common ways to present math, science and literacy.

This class focuses on helping children cope with separation, learn to work and play with other children, trust teachers and respond to their guidance, and feel good about themselves and their abilities in a school setting. This is accomplished by a very loving, warm and nurturing staff who encourage play, experimentation, and discovery for each child.

A theme of family, friends and pets is interwoven into the classroom throughout the year. At this young age math and science are introduced using counting games, music, cooking and simple experiments. Language arts consist of stories, rhymes, songs, and opportunities to use drawing and writing materials such as crayons, markers, pencils and scissors.

Benefits of mixed age grouping are that the younger child has many role models to learn from, while the older child develops self-confidence and leadership skills. It also provides an appropriate setting for the very talented young child who benefits from enrichment. The “only child” benefits from the opportunity to play with both older and younger children.

The program is planned with all age groups in mind, incorporating activities which can be simple for the younger child, but which have scope for the child who is ready for a longer, more involved project.

These classes are mixed age groups that focus on children’s language development, social skills, foundational academic skills, and motor skills. Language arts, math, science and social studies knowledge are developed through direct experiences and hands-on activities in age-appropriate ways.

Children follow classroom routines and learn cooperation skills. Playing and experimenting with materials in their environment, children gain independence, learn how to interact with peers and teachers, enhance creativity, and develop critical thinking skills.

Our new two-year-old class has a specialized curriculum designed to meet the needs of these young explorers. Like all of our classes, our children learn independence, teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking through solo, parallel, and group play.

This weekly class is an opportunity for children 20-36 months old and their parents/guardians to participate together in planned activities. These will include rhythm activities, story time, large motor experiences, sensory experiences, and manipulative projects. The children also, with parent and teacher guidance, learn to play with other children.