Winter 2008-2009 Program
Our Winter session meets Thursdays, from December 4th through February 26th.
(There will be no classes December 12 - January 7.)
| Protons (2-4) |
Neutrons (5-8) |
Electrons (9-12) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00-9:45 | Nursery | Writers' Workshop | |
| 9:45-10:30 | Tot PE | Optional Free Play (10:00-10:30) |
(Writers' Workshop, cont'd) |
| 10:30-11:15 | Nursery | Hands-on Science | P.E. |
| 11:15-12:00 | LUNCH | ||
| 12:00-12:45 | Nursery | Art Studio | |
| 12:45-1:30 | Optional Free Play | (Art Studio, cont'd) | |
| 1:30-2:15 | Tot Art | PE | Hands-On Science |
Children under 2 (Atoms) have unlimited access to our nursery. For information about our teen program in development, click here.
Class descriptions
Art Studio
Put on your smocks and step up to your easel for this hands on studio arts class. Throughout the session, students will explore various art media, all while learning the basic art concepts and a bit of art history for context and greater understanding.
A long class period (90 minutes) allows for really getting into a project, while multiple stations with different activities will give those who wish to do a variety of things for shorter times, that option.
Plenty of volunteers will be on hand to assist this delightful mix of ages.
Clap, Jump and Run! (Tot PE)
This lively class will provide lots of gross motor activities. Each will include a circle time to introduce the activities of the day. This might include parachute play, singing, playing circle games, or participating in an obstacle course.
Exploration Station (Tot Art)
In this class, it is all about the process. Young children learn by doing! Activities will provide them with opportunities to explore art materials and discover what they can do with them.
Hands-on Science
We'll be pulling out the lab coats and goggles and exploring the wonderful world of hands-on science! From biology to chemistry, each trimester will allow students to explore a branch of science, learn more about the scientific method, and do a ton of hands on experiments. Students will create a project notebook with pictures, lab reports, and other information to document what they've learned.
Nursery (ages 6 weeks-2 years)
Our well-designed nursery will have a variety of toys for all children in this age range. Leaders will sprinkle in optional activities including story time and music time throughout the day. Children ages 2-4 will have classes to attend outside of the nursery (see Nursery School below). Children who nap easily when they are tired will be welcome to take naps in the nursery as needed. See the handbook for suggestions regarding the nursery and your child.
Nursery School (ages 2-4)
Children in this age range need lots of free play time, so their day will be based on this principle. Their base will be our well-designed nursery where they will have lots of unstructured (but supervised) time to explore, use their imaginations, and interact with other children. During this in-the-room nursery time, there will also be brief optional structured times offered where leaders will invite children to gather for story time and music fun. For children who would do best staying in the nursery, this can fulfill their nursery school experience.
For children who would enjoy additional activities outside the nursery, you can build these into your nursery school child's schedule. See class descriptions for Tot Art and Tot PE. You can schedule your child for one or both.
Physical Education
Children will explore a variety of fitness skills and sports. They will work on skills in the context of games in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
Writer's Workshop
Picture this. Some children are writing furiously while others are telling their stories to adults who are writing them down. There are kids looking through folders, the picture file, and rubber stamps for writing inspiration while others are working on the suggested project of the day. Two children are conferencing where one child has asked another to peer edit her work. Everywhere you look there is a relaxed atmosphere as children work at their own pace on projects that interest them.
Earlier, children participated in a mini-lesson where they worked to sharpen their writing skills. Soon children will gather in groups where they can share their works in progress for positive feedback.
Writers' Workshop is a class where children can express themselves as authors through writing short stories, poems, recipes, scripts, non-fiction, etc. Children are encouraged to write much and to occasionally choose pieces to take through the writing process to "publishing."
While there will be no homework assigned per se, children may want to work at home with a parent when they are ready to edit and proofread a piece.