Nursery - Curriculum
	The Nursery Curriculum is based on the Thematic Approach. The purpose of this learning style is to incorporate all of the monthly themes into the various subjects so that these subjects will become more relevant to the child. In order to accomplish this goal, the classroom is designed to encorporate hands-on experiences. In keeping with the school's philosophy, the Nursery class employs traditional values in a progressive and nurturing environment. The schedule and the routines are an important part of the Nursery curriculum. These are both introduced on the first day of school and are followed throughout the year. By outlining the activities of the day and indicating their educational value, one will have an accurate picture of the Nursery curriculum. Discovery Time A learning environment is provided where children choose freely among several open-ended activities situated in various learning centers. The time allotted for discovery is the first hour and a half of each day. Art Table theme-oriented projects (both short and long term) use of different art media experimentation i.e. painting on a record player cooking Writing Table and Center crayons, markers, stencils, large pencils, paper, stampers, glue and glue sticks, dotters, collage paper, scissors, craypas, chalk and boards, clay and play dough and journals are all available to the children on a daily basis activities relevant to the themes monthly self-portraits with mirrors monthly hand, foot or fingerprints author of the month projects dictation and illustration of stories writing cards charting monthly math books related to the theme Science Tables changes monthly magnifying glasses are always available for observation experimentation is often involved in our monthly theme and may take place separately from the science table hands-on materials and items found in nature books related to the theme are always available to the children Math and Manipulative Table table games to employ taking turns and learning rules geoboards with rubber bands for shapes pegboards Cuisennaire rods Unfix cubes for counting and one-to-one correspondence puzzles related to the themes sorting, matching, categorizing, sequencing magnetic blocks, bristle blocks beads counting sticks related to the themes and theme games color games Parquetry blocks sewing boards and shapes Book Corner/Group Meeting Area children are given a wide variety of books to choose from many of the books are centered on the themes various authors are presented group games, singing songs, reading, showing pictures and acting out stories all take place in this area the calendar is discussed each day, as is the weather children are informed about the changes in the classroom, any trips or expected visitors during group-time children are also invited to share things and ideas with their classmates after children have dictated various stories, the class comes to this area to share with the rest of the group while sitting in the author's chair children develop better listening skills, an appreciation of language and books and further understand their experiences books on tape the calendar is also used as an opportunity of pre-reading skills through the use of patterning The Computer Center The classrooms are equipped with the IBM Young Explorer computers, specifically designed for children, ages three to seven. These computers are unique in that they combine a Little Tikes children’s desk, a fully functional child-sized IBM PC computer and software in one integrated product. Among the Young Explorers features are a desk that has a flat surface for school work, mouse pads to accommodate left- and right-handed children, a brightly colored keyboard, an easy wipe-off surface and a bench seat that can fit two students. the children are taught respect and care for this important learning tool a bulletin board hanging over the table is used to display computer printouts and stories Blocks, Trucks and Doll House another opportunity to act things out in their own environment or one which they have created using dramatic play and their imagination all students are encouraged to build and create Water Table and Sand Table provides the children with an opportunity to share materials and express ideas in an informal atmosphere math concepts; pouring, measuring, mixing, etc. imaginative play strengthening eye-hand coordination strengthening small muscle control a soothing noncompetitive situation cooperative play opportunity to use symbols and substitutions for other objects (i.e. birthday cake, pool, bath, mountains, roads) Easel set-up daily with various paints opportunity for children to experience another medium for self-expression learning colors and mixing paints to make new ones periodically using palettes painting with unusual objects (ie. leaves, sponges, etc.) experimentation opportunities children are encouraged to discuss and/or title their work children's work is hung on the art board for all to see Clean-up Time The children are encouraged to clean and take care of their environment. Everyone is expected to put things away. The bell ringer rings the bell which signals to the class that it is time to clean up. Everyone stops what they are doing and sings the cleanup song. Children learn respect for the things that they have and learn where everything belongs. Snack Time After cleaning up, two people go to the kitchen with a teacher to get the snack. It is their job to do so for the week. The children choose where they want to sit and learn how to be part of a group. Children participate in snack by counting and passing out cups, napkins and snack. One-to-one correspondence is naturally introduced in this way as well as acceptable table manners. Children do not begin eating until everyone is served. Children pour their own juice and whenever possible prepare their own snack. Our goal is as much independence as possible. This is always a very good time for children to share their ideas and experiences. The teachers sit with the children to role model good social skills. Whenever possible, the snack helps to further develop the concept being worked on. We try to make our own snack approximately once per month. Healthy eating habits are stressed. It is a good time for children to try new foods. Being included in the preparation sometimes makes a fussy eater more willing to try something new. Children learn to clean up after themselves when they spill something or when they are finished. Changing the Job Chart Once a week the children are asked to sit in front of the job chart. At that time, the jobs are decided upon for the week. All children get a chance to do everything at least twice, and as the year progresses, the children are able to choose the jobs that they like. Group Time After snack, the children proceed over to the circle and sit on their names which are displayed on the rug. The children engage in silent reading until the entire class is finished with snack and then come over to the circle (approximately ten to fifteen minutes). Please look at the aforementioned “Book Corner/Group Meeting Area” for further information. Outside Play or Group Activity During the last half hour of the day, the children play on the playground, go on nature walks or, if the weather does not permit, do some sort of indoor group activity. Arts and crafts, music and concept games are among a few of the activities that may take place at this time. Specials In addition to the preceding schedule of the day, the Nursery class goes out of the classroom for physical education class twice per week, music class twice per week and a library experience once per week.