AREAS OF THE CLASSROOM

PRACTICAL LIFE

These exercises instill care for self, for others, and for the environment.  Activities include many of the tasks children see as part of the daily routine in their home, such as preparing food and washing dishes, along with the exercises of grace and courtesy.  Through these tasks, the children develop refined motor coordination, increased attention span and personal independence.

SENSORIAL

These materials serve as tools to stimulate and refine the senses.  Children learn to order and classify impressions by touching, seeing, smelling, tasting, listening and exploring their physical environment.  Patterning, grading and sequencing exercises serve as direct preparation for Math and Language.

LANGUAGE

Communication is vital to human interaction.  Each child is exposed to many varied activities in preparation for reading.  The activities include verbal self-expression, classifying and sequencing, phonetic sounds and blends, word building and vocabulary, stories, poetry, listening games and writing.

MATHEMATICS

These materials help the children learn the concepts of math by manipulating concrete materials.  Once the concrete introduction is internalized, the child moves into abstract reasoning and problem solving.

SCIENCE

This includes Life Science- Botany and Zoology; Physical Science- experiments; and Earth Sciences- Physical Geography and Geology.  All are presented as extensions of the sensorial and language activities.  Our lessons and experiences with nature such as gardening and animal care and forest/wetlands exploration inspire reverence for all life.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

These activities are not only limited to the study of the Earth's physical geography and the cultures of its diverse peoples but also to the arts, music and foods.  Children learn about people and cultures in other countries with an attitude of respect and admiration.  Through familiarity, children come to feel connected to the global human family. As we discuss the customs and holidays of many cultures we are also teaching Peace Education, teaching care for the earth and also care for the earth's diverse people.