Greenwood Curriculum Guide The Greenwood School is a home-like environment for children ages 2-5. Through age-appropriate activities in the following areas, Greenwood promotes academic and social readiness, social responsibility, sensory integration and creativity. Play Children experience their most profound development as they play. This is so very important to healthy development. And just as important as the play itself is the opportunity to play as freely as possible. Playthings that can be anything in the child’s imagination are crucial. Large pieces of cloth, dress up clothes, soft dolls with simple features, pine cones, pieces of driftwood, cups, bowls and spoons provide endless hours of imaginative play. Blocks of all shapes and sizes are used to build cities, and magical worlds. Outdoor activities such as climbing, running, digging, building and searching are vital to the experiences of the child. Art Art is an essential part of building a strong foundation for learning. Some form of art is experienced every day. Children paint, color, cut, paste and sculpt. The children are encouraged to enjoy the materials using their own imaginations. Special focus is given to wet on wet watercolor painting where children explore and discover magical qualities of color. Baking This is a very enjoyable group activity that engages children in a process study that they can easily follow from start to finish process. They prepare and bake breads and muffins with the help of each other and their teacher. This is a wonderful teaching opportunity while they measure, pour, stir and knead. As the Little Red Hen and her friends learned, this is a valuable lesson in working together for the common good. Circle Time This is a special time to come together every morning, greet each other and begin the day. The teacher lights the star candle and welcomes the children. As we sit together and sing a few favorite songs, tell a few tales, ask and answer questions. The verses and plays encourage children to observe the changing seasons. At the close of circle time we remember our promises: golden words, gentle hands, listening ears, walking feet, and loving hearts. Then hand in hand we sing our song of good cheer, remember that we are the light of the world, blow out the candle and catch the light in our hearts. Handwork Attention to the development of fine motor skills is given during handwork. Twisting, sewing, weaving and stringing in a variety of textures are wonderful ways to engage hands, minds and hearts in quiet activity. Music Is there anything sweeter than children’s voices raised in song? We sing everyday and learn a variety of songs that reflect beauty, joy and compassion. Our music selections especially reflect seasons, festivals and cultures. Story Time Children who love to read have a distinct advantage in all aspects of their lives. It is not necessary to teach the pre-school age child to read, but igniting the desire is crucial. Many opportunities are provided daily for the children to sit with books and "read." As they study the pictures and invent the story for themselves they set the foundation for reading. Children listen to stories told or read by their teacher allowing their minds to wander to far off lands where everything is believable. Children learn to use their own cognitive and creative powers when engaged in the storyteller’s world. Their listening skills are honed as they prepare to become avid readers. Cooperative Learning and Preparation In today’s world children are often hurried into the abstract concepts of academia too soon. Our focus on cooperative learning and school preparation takes a tangible, creative and encouraging form. Through story, games and discovery, children exercise their curiosity. We strive to prepare them for a life learning and discovery. Creative Drama and Movement This creative activity engages the whole child in excitement and free expression. Children love to dance, leap, twist and turn. Music and rhythm inspire images that inspire movement. We pretend we are a windmill or a boat sailing on the sea. In another song we become kangaroos racing through a meadow. We can suddenly be roller-skating or bike riding. The possibilities are limitless to a child. This is such a wonderful opportunity for children to be fully self-expressed. Cultural Studies This is great fun for everyone as we explore the culture and customs of people all around the world. Through story, music, food and celebrations, the children are introduced to the similarities and unique differences in the lives of children everywhere. Gardening At Greenwood, a child can experience the rewards of gardening. A gardening experience with teachers and friends offers children a rare opportunity to experience goodness coming from hard work. The ripening fruit is such a fascination. A sense of accomplishment rests with each child as they rush out to the garden to check the swelling fruit for growth and change.   A picture is worth a thousand words. Please visit our webshots photo album to see this remarkable school and the beautiful children that have made it so special. http://community.webshots.com/user/tracyschagen