Curriculum at the Kensington Nursery School is developed by the educational staff and is implemented in a partnership with the co-oping adults. The curriculum is thematically based and developmentally appropriate. Daily planning includes opportunities for small and large group, active and quiet, and indoor and outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to make choices. Physical, cognitive, sensory and emotional skills are developed through opportunities for play, experimentation and exploration in the following classroom areas or “centers.”
Art Area
Includes graphic arts (such as paint, crayons, chalk) as well as modeling materials (including clay, play dough, slime), paste and collage and a diverse collection of other “found objects.” Art activities provide opportunity for motor, self-expression and creativity. It is the interaction with materials rather than the finished product that is important.
Kitchen/Dramatic Play Area
Includes use of thematically based “prop boxes” to create interesting environments for fantasy and make-believe play. Kitchen or “housekeeping” equipment includes furniture, dishes, clothing and other materials familiar to the child. Dramatic play provides opportunities for role-playing in make-believe and real life situations. It builds creative thinking, language, social skills and self-image.
Block Building Area
Includes blocks of different sizes, forms and materials (such as unit blocks, hollow blocks, cardboard bricks) with a variety of accessories (vehicles, animals, people, puppets, mats, etc.) designed to enhance the play. A large, carpeted space is provided to allow for large constructions. The open-ended quality of blocks lends itself to satisfying experiences, both simple and complex. Math, science, language, motor and problem-solving skills are just some of the areas complemented by block play.
Sand/Water/Woodworking/Natural Materials
The versatility of sand, wood and water provide a framework for many developmental concepts. Natural materials are used both indoors and outdoors. Sieves, funnels, hoses, shovels, spoons and a variety of containers are used extensively for sand and water. Child-sized tools, glue, tape and wood scraps provide opportunities for building. Motor, mathematical, creative, social skills are encouraged along with scientific exploration.
Manipulatives
Small motor materials such as puzzles, pegs, beads, etc. promote the use of cognitive, eye-hand and problem-solving skills. Generally a quiet activity, manipulatives may be used individually or with a small group.
Books/Storytelling
A comfortable space, arrayed with carpet and pillows, invites children to explore the world of books. Books of stories, poetry, non-fiction, as well as, picture books are made available. Stories are part of every day’s routine, whether by books, puppets, felt board or role-playing.
Outside Play
The playground is considered an extension of the classroom. Outside time is part of everyday play. Children work actively trying out ideas, games, roles and the environment. Children run jump, skip, hop, climb, slide, swing, push, throw and dig, as well as, collect and examine natural objects. A variety of climbers, wheel-toys, digging areas, swings, slides and dramatic play areas are provided.
Science/Cooking
Experiences are provided to promote the development of skills in observation, problem-solving and understanding of cause and effect. These activities provide exposure to mathematical concepts of measurement and afford opportunities to use skills in comparing and contrasting. Children are encouraged to expand their appreciation of their environment and the natural world through exploration and experimentation.
Music/Circle Time
This portion of the class provides an opportunity for each child to participate in a large group activity where ideas are shared and demonstrated. The class is gathered as a whole group for ten to fifteen minutes to engage in social activities such as games, singing, dancing, role-playing, as well as, listening to a story with relevant discussion.
