Constructive play, rich conversation, meaningful experiences, and good books provide the foundation for learning and literacy in the Nursery School. Well before the children arrive in their classrooms, teachers set the stage for children to move successfully and comfortably from home to school by visiting each child at home. Establishing and nurturing a strong connection between parents and teachers is essential to supporting children and families as they become comfortable in their new school home.
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Once school begins, teachers work to create a feeling of community and responsibility among their children by providing opportunities to learn in a group setting and to work and play as effective members of a supportive community. Learning to follow classroom routines and rules, to resolve conflicts appropriately, and to use materials purposefully are essential pieces of a child’s first school experiences. Teachers promote literacy—both written and oral—by recognizing and encouraging children’s efforts and progress toward literacy and making books and print central in their classrooms. Play and other self-selected activities within the classroom also provide exciting opportunities to learn and experiment with writing, mathematical and spatial concepts, nature and science, and creative expression through a variety of art media. Music and science instruction and physical education by specialist teachers are also part of the weekly routine. On the playground and in classrooms, teachers support children in taking initiative, developing confidence in their own abilities, and respecting the abilities of others.
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St. Patrick’s Nursery School fits the curriculum to the child rather than the child to the curriculum and creates opportunities for growth and an excitement about learning so that children will confidently and eagerly move on to our Lower School.