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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

The mess around table has different fine motor activities based around the day’s theme. Our parent/tot students experience using stamps, cutting paper, and using daubers for fine motor practice. Our 3s and 4s class complete crafts and engage in age appropriate writing such as tracing or decorating letters, numbers, and shapes. Experiences with writing materials strengthen fine motor skills and help children practice their pre-writing skills.

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.