Click to visit our Classrooms:
Seedlings
4 wk - 12 mo
Acorns
1 yr - 2 1/2 yr
Oak Leaves
2 1/2 - 3 1/2 yr
Maples
3 1/2 - 5 yrs
Evergreens
kindergarten
Redwoods
school age
Welcome to the Maples!
develop an awareness of self and a love of life. While we strive to
fully prepare each child for their future educational journey, it is
not our goal to only teach the children a certain number of letter
sounds, definitions or facts. This is because it is not about what
the children learn, but an attitude toward learning that we are
striving to nurture.
The Work Cycle
In the Maples class children engage in a prepared activity only
after the teacher or another student has purposefully
demonstrated its proper use. This is because
each "work" activity is carefully chosen and
prepared for the children and has a direct
aim. This aim is modeled for the
children so they can see the intended
use of the materials. From there, they may
explore the materials in their own ways,
limited only by individual imagination or safety
restrictions.
When a child is actively engaged in learning a new skill or concept he is
acquiring a foundation for later concepts. Like building blocks, each activity we
offer the children builds upon previous knowledge and leads directly to a
new concept or level of learning. Additionally, we consider the repetition
of activities to be an integral part of the learning process so children are
allowed to repeat activities as often as they wish until they show signs of readiness
for the next level of learning.
For young children, knowledge proceeds from the hand to the brain.
Because of this we provide hands-on materials that promote the acquisition
of concrete concepts. When the children are introduced to sounds and
letters, we provide sandpaper letters for the children to manipulate. For
example, we might show the child the sandpaper "K" and say "kuh." The
child is encouraged to trace the letter as he or she says the sound aloud.
Once the first letter is mastered, the child will be introduced to another,
Order
We believe that children are able beings. They are capable of making
decisions; they are capable of cooperation. Each of them exhibits a full
range of emotions, ambitions and attempts to comprehend and respond
to the world around them. But one of their most important qualities is that
they are rapidly changing. They are living, breathing balls of potential!
Because children are in a constant state of growth, everyday activities can
be overwhelming. They are continually determining how to best make
sense of the information they are taking in.
(read more ...)
Class Favorites
by Maya Angelou
by Margret Rey
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
by Mo Willems
by Ludwig Bemelmans
by Laura Numerolf
Teacher Suggestions
by Aline Wolf
by Shel Silverstein
by Ludwig Bemelmans
Children's Yoga cards or books
Sign Language books or DVD's
Maples Class Schedule
6:15
6:30 - 8:00
8:15
8:20 - 8:35
8:35 - 9:30
9:30 - 10:00
10:00 - 10:20
10:20 - 10:40
10:40 - 11:30
11:30 - 11:50
11:50 - 12:00
12:00 - 12:35
12:45 - 2:45
3:00 - 3:15
3:15 - 3:30
3:30 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:30
5:30 - 5:45
5:45 - 6:15
6:15
Day School Opens
Breakfast
Transition to Maples Classroom
Circle Time
Work and Project Time
Outdoor Play
Morning Snack
Circle Time
Work and Project Time
Circle Time
Restroom Break & Lunch prep
Lunch
Rest Time
Story Time
Afternoon Snack
Outdoor Play
Join Oak Leaves class
for indoor play
Clean up and story time
Prepare to go home
Day School Closes
A Note from Mr. Brian
Summer Program
As we head into summer we have big plans for our class. We have an exciting summer program planned which will include some special visitors to our class, such as Mad Science! and specially planned themes for a summer of fun!
On June 20, we will be changing classrooms as we prepare for our new preschool program which will begin in September. We will be moving to one of the two classrooms at the far end of the school so our two preschool classes can be side-by-side and where we will be closer to our playground. We have carefully planned this move to enable a smooth transition for the children and are looking forward to the rewards this change will bring. If you have any questions regarding our classroom change, please feel free to speak with one of us or with Kim or Tanya.
Thank you!
Mr. Brian, Miss Adrienne & the Maples Class;
Class Reminders!
We will be sending progress reports home for each of our Maples at the end of January. Please remember to check your family folder for these reports of your child's progress and learning.
During the month of February we will be learning about Transportation. Do you know how to fly a plane? Are you an experienced mechanic? Our class would love to hear from anyone who may have particular expertise in various modes of transportation.
In addition to our special Valentine's lunch, the Maples class will be celebrating Valentine's Day with a special pajama day! The children are invited to wear their favorite pajamas to school (or bring them along to change into, if that is more comfortable) and to bring a special stuffed animal and their favorite book. In keeping with the Maples class holiday tradition, we will also be watching the Peanut's Valentine's Special as particular treat.
(continued from above...)
It is with this natural occurrence in mind that we have created our classroom environment. We offer an orderly environment that nurtures each child's task of absorbing and assimilating to the world he or she is expected to join. We provide information to stimulate interest and from there the children are set free to explore.
Concentration
When you observe our classroom you may notice (and even be surprised) that the children are able to concentrate and remain fully engaged and focused on a task in the midst of other classroom activity. Concentration occurs naturally and frequently in our carefully prepared environment. The materials in our classroom are purposeful and call the children to explore and to develop concentration. The children select activities based on their own interest or need and therefore a connection is made between the child and the material that leads to repetition and focus. We give respect to the child's inner guide who knows best what he or she should concentrate on and for how long.
Independence
The development of independence is a crucial stepping stone in each child's growth. It lays a foundation for further cognitive, social and emotional development. We believe that our role as teachers is to support each child's struggle for independence by remembering not to act on a child's behalf unnecessarily and to organize the environment so that the children may act for themselves.
Within the community of our classroom the children are able to learn to become independent, to articulate their
needs and to assist their friends when help is required. They are reminded of their responsibility to others and begin to understand how to use their own independence while respecting the rights and dignity of others.