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Preschool | Educational Program
"Nothing without joy." Loris Mallaguzzi, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Inspired by the Reggio philosophy, our teachers seek to understand the individuality and developmental stages of each child and to provide opportunities that support the children's thinking. Our teachers listen carefully to childrens' observations and hypotheses and then collaborate in classroom teams to interpret and document these ideas. This process informs teachers' choices for designing learning opportunities. We revisit discoveries and "big ideas" of life with the children and their families in order to foster ongoing connections between the home and school. Projects emerge through guided investigations initiated from the children's ideas. Flow of the Day
A typical morning at St. John's begins with greeting time followed by the Morning Meeting when children and teachers make their plans for the day. Children then participate in dramatic play, block-building, exploration of light and shadow in the classroom or explore painting, weaving, work with clay or wire, or other art projects in the studio, individually or in small groups. After a snack and clean-up, the children gather together for their second meeting to reflect on the day and listen to stories. The children also enjoy time on the playground at the end of the day before dismissal.
Children have the option to arrive early to participate in the Early Birds which begins at 8:15 or remain for the afternoon Kids' Workshop that runs from 12:30 until 3:00 PM. Under the direction of St. John's faculty, these mixed age group auxiliary programs offer a rich extension of our philosophy with connections to the core program. For the afternoon Kids' Workshop, participants bring lunch from home, enjoy outdoor classroom and studio time. There is an optional rest time. Learning Environments
The learning environments of St. John's Preschool are intended to support the childrens' ideas and experiences. Our classrooms and studios reflect commitment to purposeful activity and depth of learning. They are beautiful and light, thoughtfully prepared and filled with a bounty of materials. Traditional classroom areas like dramatic play, message center and blocks provide opportunities for social, math, science and language experiences. Children also have the opportunity to make discoveries and deepen their ideas through the use of a variety of artistic media. In drawing, painting, clay and wire sculpture, as well as dance and movement, they act on and enhance their growing understanding of the world.
Our outdoor classroom and gardens provides a space for gross motor play and experiences in nature. Daily activities take place in the climbing, sand, garden and picnic areas and in the adjacent tricycle alley.
Teachers integrate music and movement experiences into the program throughout the day, to complement the investigations and culture of the classrooms. Our large shadow screen motivates dance and movement projects. The preschool community holds weekly, school-wide Sing-Alongs accompanied by musical instruments. Our repertoire of songs has grown over the years of our school's life and includes childhood classics as well as multicultural favorites from our families.
Once a month children attend Chapel, led by St. John's clergy. During this time, children sing and listen to stories and spiritual reflections that are appropriate to preschool age children and their faith development. Weekly Schedule
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