For Children 2 - 3 Years Old

Reverence for Nature, Reverence for Childhood

Our Willow Class centers on creating an open environment with hands-on activities that transform a child’s sensory experiences into a knowledge of themselves, and the world around them. Building on growth from the Dogwood Nursery and Maples Bridge class, children are invited to participate in creative play and practical work, developing fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional skills, and the executive functioning and concentration skills necessary for academic and social success in life.

In the Willow Class, there is a focus on learning practical life skills through imitation. These practical skills support children in many of the daily activities that they observe adults doing, such as chopping vegetables, stirring, sweeping the floor, folding laundry, scrubbing and polishing, and setting the table. Through imitation the children also learn to become deeply involved in their own self-care, such as dressing themselves, learning to zip, button, and snap, putting on shoes, washing their hands, and using the bathroom.

The curriculum for the year also focuses on creating a rich classroom environment full of music, with many of the transitions and changes in the day being sung, building language familiarity and knowledge. Artistic activities include painting, sensory exploration, and textile work throughout the year.

Daily Rhythm

8:30 - 9:00- Welcome & free play

9:15- Morning activity (could be baking, painting, or any number of activities)

9:45 - Morning Circle time

10:00 - Morning snack (made with teacher in classroom)

10:30- Outdoor play in the courtyard, a neighborhood walk, or play in the garden

12:00 - Lunch

12:30 - Nap Time Begins (end times are staggered based on individual children's needs)

1:00 - Early Dismissal

2:00 - Indoor free play (with sensory activity)

2:45 - Afternoon snack

3:00 - Goodbye circle

3:15 - Dismissal