Our program is rich in a curriculum of learning-through-play activities and structured lessons, all set in a stimulating Montessori inspired environment for maximum child-led learning.
Children learn about cultures and geography through "World Travel" including exposure to languages (French and Italian & more), with stories, maps and globes, costumes and foods--after all, The Jet Set Kids have to travel!
Role play stations: Costumes, Mirror, Kitchen and "Work Bench," complete with "power" tools and equipment.
Role play helps children express themselves, as they explore "living skills" on their own; it encourages self confidence and exploration, while it helps build communication and social skills like waiting turns and patience when playing with others.
Children learn as they rotate through the play stations during "Free Choice Time". Individualized and Group Learning occur throughout the day, as well.
Sand & Water play station
Montessori inspired manipulatives on shelves encourage fine motor pre-writing skill development; alphabet finger-tracing with "see, say, hear and write" techniques build a strong Writing and Reading foundation. Teacher-directed block-building instructs children in spatial and foundational Math concepts and many other skills that studies show remain with the child through school and life. I draw on my knowledge as a registered Architect to compose directed lessons for the construction block play. Ask me to show you the final research paper I did for one of my college Early Childhood Education classes on this topic!
Our home is a book lover's home and our Early Childhood Education home school shows this. There are board books for wee ones; and for story telling and "World Travel" we have most of the classic children's stories, as well as some of the finest award winning illustrated masterpieces. Among the other books on the shelves are children's books on Science, along with books on Travel and Art and Architecture and more -- all to inspire children to form their own love for books and learning!
Art station for self-directed artistic expression, as well as individualized Art instruction from our family of Architects and Artists.
These are some Art aprons I made from some fabulous batik fabrics I found!
A bright and cheery envirnoment, conducive to a peaceful and happy learning experience.
Entry foyer: Children have their own cubbies for coats and shoes and personal belongings.
Screened-in deck overlooking half acre wooded lot -- a yard conducive to loads of scientific explorative play, and the occasional picnic. The screened in deck provides an excellent spot for outdoor play on those cold and rainy days, furniture moved aside, for some Music & Movement activities!
View of gate to the classroom and the play "Kitchen" from our "real" kitchen. :-)