Language

In the language-rich atmosphere of the classroom, the child has many experiences of oral language including story reading, story-telling, thought-provoking conversation, poems, songs, and vocabulary enrichment. Children build important pre-reading and pre-writing skills through use of the Practical Life and Sensorial materials. Formal lessons in phonics, word building, reading, creative writing and grammar are introduced when the child is ready.

Mathematics

In order to support the development of true number sense, each child is exposed to numbers and their meaning in a variety of concrete ways with appropriate materials. Through play and discovery, children start to build their mathematical minds using Practical Life and Sensorial materials which focus on one-to-one correspondence, ordering, sequencing, conservation of quantity, and geometry. When children are ready, they begin to construct their strong mathematical foundations through work with place value using the Golden Beads and work through carefully sequenced math curriculum in operations, memorization of math facts and counting.

Cultural Studies & Science

Our goal is to inspire the child to feel the wonder and awe of the natural world, and to gain a deeper understanding of this amazing world.

In addition to other activities within the classroom, our science teacher explores such subjects as: simple machines; magnets; geology; and electricity.

Practical Life

These activities of daily living are immediately and culturally relevant to a child’s life. Through purposeful work and play with the Practical Life materials the child develops concentration, independence, eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skills. Emphasis is also placed on acquiring social grace and skill, respect and courtesy.

Sensorial

The refinement of the senses is fundamental to the growth and development of the child. The materials of the Sensorial area are designed to meet this need. Important math and language skills are also indirectly developed as the child experiments with shape, color, sound, volume, taste, size, smell and touch.

Art

Art is an essential part of the young child’s classroom experience. Open-ended, process-oriented art materials are available to children throughout the day. In each classroom, children choose from among a large variety of art materials and art experiences. Children are also exposed to fine art and art appreciation.

Music

Children experience music of many different cultures and styles. At daily circle times, teachers lead songs and creative movement. Children play rhythm instruments and learn new songs.

Each week our music specialist introduces elements of music theory.  Children sing joyfully together, learning new songs and singing well-known beloved songs.

Peace Education

Children live together in peaceful communities, guided by their teachers. Even very young children learn to identify and express their feelings in constructive, purposeful ways. As children grow within our community, they learn empathy and practice peaceful conflict resolution. For behavior management, we use a positive approach that focuses on self-regulation, honors each person’s autonomy and emphasizes respect. Children and teachers work together to create peaceful, respectful communities.