Mayfair utilizes a play based curriculum that combines dynamic teacher lead circle time  activities with plenty of station based free choice time.  Circle time is divided into instructional circle time and movement circle time.  During instructional circle time, children learn through a variety of fun songs, stories, rhymes, calendar, and alphabet games. They practice turn taking, as well as speaking and listening skills.  Movement circle time provides high energy instruction through song, dance, music and motion.  A variety of activities incorporating shakers, rainbow ribbons, parachute play,  and other intriguing objects get the children up and moving and learning to the beat!

In addition to circle time activities, children learn through exploratory play during free choice time.  Each class incorporates a minimum of 45 minutes of indoor free choice time.  During this free choice time, students circulate freely about the room and work in the areas of their choice.  Free choice time consists of 12+ stations each day.  These stations facilitate academic, social, and emotional growth in a variety of ways.  The class ends each day with gross motor free choice time on our outdoor playground equipment.  During inclement weather, the class utilizes our indoor gross motor equipment.

ART STATION

Experiences with paper, crayons, markers, paint, scissors, glue and other art materials promote creative expression and fine motor development, as well as pre-writing skills.

BLOCK STATION

Blocks and construction materials provide many learning experiences, particularly in math and physics. Children measure, practice problem solving skills, estimate, add, subtract and create. They learn the principles of balance and spatial relationships. Large and small blocks are available, as well as other building materials and props to aid dramatic play.

DISCOVERY / SCIENCE STATION

Discovery and problem solving will be enhanced as the children experiment with magnets, rocks, magnifying glasses, prisms, scales, etc. The items on display are consistently rotated in support of the learning associated with each daily theme.

READING STATION

Books supply the most valuable experience for future reading and writing skills. A variety of books will be available for the children in our reading area. We also provide a “print-rich” environment for the children, modeling a variety of ways writing is used daily.

DRAMATIC PLAY STATION

This is the prime area for socio-dramatic play where children can act out a variety of situations and roles. Dress-up and other dramatic play experiences are available as well.

MANIPULATIVES / MATH STATION

Manipulatives and puzzles enhance small motor development as children sort, count, classify, experience size and spatial relationships, create and copy patterns, problem solve, measure and learn to recognize numbers.

WRITING STATION

The writing center is filled with paper, pencils, crayons and markers so the children can draw and write messages to each other. Experiences with writing materials strengthen fine motor skills and help children practice their pre-writing skills.

SENSORY / WORKBENCH STATIONS

Using playdough, the sand table, the water table and the fully-stocked workbench are very important as they promote a variety of skills. Children measure, pour, fill, sift, cut, hammer, saw and manipulate. They develop motor skills, social skills, and math and science concepts.