Programs
​"Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity."
​
​"Never help a child with a task at which they feel they can succeed."
​
​"What the hand does the mind remembers."
Preschool Class
​
Our program is based on Reggio Emilia & Maria Montessori's methods.
​
The Growing Tree Preschool Curriculum and Classroom Structure is largely based on Reggio Emilia Philosophy which states that:
⇒ Children must have some control over the direction of their learning;
⇒ Children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing;
⇒ Children have a relationship with other children and with materials in the world which they must be allowed to explore;
⇒ Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves;
⇒ Children must be given opportunities to explore, observe, hypothesize, question, and discuss to clarify their understanding
​
Preschool is an important building block for your child’s future. For many children it is the first time they will be away from their parents. They will begin to become responsible for themselves and their behavior.
Primary goals of the year are:
⇒ To help develop independence and to promote positive self-esteem
⇒ To work on large and fine motor skills developing coordination
⇒ To increase language skills (receptive/verbal) through rhyme, rhythm, reading, singing, etc.
⇒ To encourage a love of literacy through books
⇒ To work on academic skills such as counting, writing, and letter recognition
⇒ To develop speaking and listening skills through circle time, carpet time, and show-n-tell.
⇒ To familiarize children with the environment & staff of P.J. Gillen Elementary School.
A typical timeline in our preschool class
​
Morning/Afternoon
​
9:00/12:30 - Children arrive
-
Welcome children to classroom
-
Learning begins
-
Calendar and name recognition activities
​
9:30/1:00 - Physical and Cognitive Activity
-
Use of gym or library time, depending availability/schedule
-
Followed by a craft or other structured activity
​
10:30/2:00 - Snack and play
-
Snack and free play (Includes outside time when the weather cooperates)
​
11:30/3:00 - Dismissal
-
Check to make sure there is someone to pick child up before they leave classroom