Child Centered Philosophy: Learning Through Play
The Children's School strives to create a preschool based on play, nurturing care and respect for all people. In this atmosphere children are supported in their endeavors to pose questions, seek solutions, develop friendships and explore their creative and intellectual abilities. The classroom provides a myriad of opportunities for children to expand on their current knowledge through painting, drawing, playing, writing, moving to music, working with sand, building with blocks, reading and listening to stories, recreating life experience through dramatic play and experiencing math and science. Materials are chosen which promote open-ended exploration and continue to challenge children over time. Our classroom is designed to encourage participation through self-directed small group activities at learning centers, complemented by teacher-directed large group activities such as meeting time, music and circle games.
The emergent curriculum at TCS grows out of the belief that children are capable of making appropriate choices and decisions based on their own interests. Teachers respond to students' interests and plan activities that facilitate learning through self-directed exploration. The freedom to make competent choices each day empowers children to believe in their abilities to learn and thrive in the classroom. We believe that nurturing a child's curiosity is of primary importance in the early years and provides the foundation for a life-long enthusiasm for learning.
Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00-9:00am | Morning Drop-off |
| 9:15 | Meeting |
| 9:30 | Snack |
| 9:50 | Story |
| 10:00 | Free Choice & Project Activities |
| 11:00 | Music Circle |
| 11:15 | Outside Play |
| 12:00 | Pick-Up from Morning Program |
| 12:05 | Story, Lunch, & Play |
| 1:00 | Pick-Up from Lunch & Play |
| 1:15 | Story |
| 1:30 | Rest |
| 2:30 | Snack, Free Choice & Activities |
| 3:30 | Outside Play |
| 4:00 | Pick-Up from Extended Program |