Nursery (3s - Cubs)

A full day of fun introducing learning to 3-year-olds.

We believe young children learn through play.  Our schedule and program allow large blocks of time for children to explore social and emotional relationships that are the foundation of a strong early childhood program. The day consists of a balance of play and group activities that include snack, circle time and stories. Exposure to academic concepts is ongoing, allowing children the opportunity to grow at their own pace. Monthly themes are used to enrich the program and offer a vehicle for discovery of self and the immediate world of the three-year-old. Past themes have included “All About Me”, “Stars, Moon, Sun,” the seasons, dinosaurs, and animals.

Social-Emotional Learning

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Social and emotional development and group dynamics is the foundation of our preschool 3-year-old program. We focus our attention on these areas because we believe in educating the whole child. The emphasis of our program for three-year-olds is to help children learn about themselves and their world through their interactions with others. Children have the opportunity to socialize in a variety of situations. Play is considered a vital part of a child’s learning. Generous time for free play, indoors and outdoors, allows children opportunities to practice taking turns, learning to share and to express themselves. Teachers carefully support and guide children in their understanding of interactions with both adults and classmates. An important element of the socialization process involves learning to be part of a group and adapting to the routine and schedule of the day.

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Language Arts

The Language Arts curriculum in the preschool 3-year-old classroom is based on daily experiences that include listening and speaking with exposure to written language as well. Daily language is enhanced by vocabulary introduced through classroom themes and literature. Stories are read daily to expose children to reading and print and to broaden their exposure to ideas and the world around them. Songs, poetry, and drama are other ways in which children explore language. Children are encouraged to dictate stories to support their drawings. Opportunities to begin writing include practice with pencils, markers, crayons and other tools. Circle time teaches listening, sharing ideas and taking turns with direct guidance and support of teachers. Through these experiences, children improve their ability to express themselves.

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum focuses on daily interactions in the classroom while encouraging responsibility, respect, and individuality. At the preschool 3-year-old level, the curriculum is an introduction to self and family with an emphasis on feelings. Through play, interactions with peers and adults, and during structured group time, children learn about their feelings and how to relate to the world around them. Social studies themes include friendship, families, the seasons and self.

Math

Math concepts are integrated into the day through play and structured activities. Teachers may emphasize particular numbers or play classifying games. Children use math when asked to count as they set the table for snack, classify types of objects, or figure out how many blocks are needed to complete a building. These daily life situations teach math concepts and help develop critical thinking skills.

Science

The preschool 3-year-old science curriculum allows children to acquire science skills through hands-on experiences that are meaningful and fun. Observation and experimentation are encouraged by using tools like magnets, magnifying glasses, science tablets, sand and water. The emphasis is on self-discovery.