CURRICULUM GOALS
It is our goal to help children develop pro-social behaviors, including respect, empathy and compassion. We integrate the value of appreciating and celebrating differences through-out our classrooms and activities. Teachers are trained to reinforce and scaffold all levels of pro-social behavior that the children demonstrate. A key strategy for building empathy in children at Moss Street is the identification and validation of feelings. In each classroom we focus on relationships and building social responsibility.
We believe that children learn through their play. During play, children explore and create their own theories and test them. We love to provide activities for children that give them hands on experiences that reflect the interest and curiosity of the children. In our classrooms you will see children engaged in developmentally appropriate activities that have been carefully designed by teachers who are familiar with each child’s interest and development.
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While children play, they sometimes are confronted with problems to solve. We consider this a major part of their development and we take seriously our role as their guides. We know that each problem offers another opportunity to try a strategy and assess success…trial and error. As children identify and practice creative approaches to conflict resolution, they are supported by skilled teachers. At Moss Street, we understand that children are learning the important skills associated with cooperation and being part of a community. Each day, children are involved in goal setting for themselves. They are also part of the planning for large and small groups in their classrooms. Children get lots of practice cooperating, facilitated by teachers during games, sharing and working with peers.
Each classroom helps children recognize and develop self-control at the developmental appropriate level. You will see teachers supporting children as they transition from home to school, throughout the day, and from school to home. We work to have a balance between spontaneous activities and the security of predictable routines. Mindfulness skills of deep breathing, recognizing and sharing feelings and needs and listening to others, are practiced often. Moss Street classrooms are rich in language, including music and literature because we know there are many positive impacts from language exposure on cognitive and social development. |
