In our curriculum, we draw on children’s emerging interests, encouraging their curiosity. Children enjoy the creative process and hands-on materials, while learning problem-solving skills. Themes and explorations depend on the interests of the children, but favorite past themes have included machines, book-making, and the human body. In addition, handwriting is introduced to children who are ready and interested using the Handwriting Without Tears method. Our ongoing focus is on developing a relationship with each child and encouraging their capability to:
- Engage in a variety of creative activities using different media
- Form meaningful relationships with peers and maintain a friendship even after a disagreement
- Cooperate and collaborate with others to accomplish group goals
- Initiate new ideas and invent solutions to problems
- Accept responsibility for their own actions and behaviors
- Participate independently in clean up and care for the classroom environment
- Recover quickly from a disappointment or change in plans
- Be inquisitive and ask questions to gain more information
- Engage in the give and take of conversations with adults and peers, communicating ideas effectively, listening to others, and valuing different perspectives
- Stick with difficult tasks or be willing to come back later to work them through
