Special Programs

Introduction

In addition to the learning that occurs in the individual classrooms, Early Childhood School students have exposure to the following special programs:

Music & Movement

Children love music! Early Childhood School students love to sing songs, play a variety of instruments and tap out the beat. They delight in the joy of movement and self-expression as they learn to move to a rhythm and develop coordination, balance and motor skills. Music is also a joyous way to build pre-literacy skills.

Library

Every week, each class eagerly travels to a warm and cozy place in the Lake Library perfectly suited to our youngest students. The librarian engages students through books as a developmentally appropriate way to cultivate pre-reading language and thinking skills in small children. Prekindergarten students are also introduced to research as a means to answer their most pressing questions. Working one-on-one with the librarian they read books, search the internet and write letters to find answers to questions such as, “Why does a dolphin’s skin not wrinkle?” and “Why do leaves change color in the fall?”

Physical Education

Physical development, especially in regards to gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination, is the focus of our physical education classes. Children are introduced to a variety of sports while learning that physical activity is not only healthy, it’s fun!

Butler Campus

Preschool students travel to our 150-acre Butler Campus once a month and Prekindergartners go weekly; a weekly option is available for all full-day students. Our Yurts make the Butler Campus accessible year round, regardless of inclement weather. Children who spend time outdoors are resilient, motivated and creative while developing an ability to focus and concentrate for longer periods of time and an inclination to experiment, make connections and solve problems.

Eco!Wonder

Our signature Eco!Wonder curriculum, written by our Early Childhood faculty, is an environmental education program for young children that encourages them to understand the important role they play in keeping our planet healthy. We emphasize sustainability, the cycles of nature, discoveries made through unrestricted exploration in nature and activities associated with healthy living, including our commitment to healthy snacks! Through Eco!Wonder, they become more aware and inquisitive about the world and learning spills organically from classroom to home.