AGE GROUPS & CLASS MOVEMENT
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We believe there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to child growth and development. As such, our early childhood classrooms enroll a range of ages. This allows us to move children based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to: birth date, social and emotional skills, gross motor and fine motor development, ease of transitions, and communication skills.
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Our pre-elementary programs are typically separated into three different age groups:
AGE GROUPS & CLASS MOVEMENT
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Preschool – Children who turn three by September 30
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Prekindergarten – Children who turn four by September 30
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Interim-kindergarten - Children who turn five by January 1 and meet social and emotional development requirements
THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH LEARNER
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At Nature's Pathways, we recognize children as individuals with unique personalities and learning styles. Children grow and learn through the process of exploration and discovery. Each child learns at a different pace and acquires knowledge in a different manner. Children actively form relationships in various ways and obtain understanding through different approaches. In order for all children to successfully attain cognitive, physical, social and emotional development, our degreed teachers provide enriching materials, a safe nurturing environment, clearly set boundaries and expectations, and plenty of opportunity for exploration.
THE UNIQUENESS OF EACH LEARNER
All children must be toilet trained to be eligible for any of our pre-elementary programs.
LIFELONG LEARNING:
BEYOND KINDERGARTEN READINESS
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The pre-elementary program seeks to set children up for future social, emotional, and academic success rather than implement specific academic curriculum before the children are developmentally ready. As children progress through the pre-elementary program, they will be introduced to a variety of academic concepts and skills that will help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
Our pre-elementary program seeks to expose children to a variety of subjects, disciplines, and skills in an age-appropriate way. The program features (based on age and development):
LIFELONG LEARNING: BEYOND KINDERGARTEN READINESS
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Art instruction to introduce different media and visual arts techniques
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Literacy skills rooted in the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction
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Inquiry-based, hands-on science and math
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Music and movement activities
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Multi-sensory fine motor and pre-writing activities that encourage proper handwriting techniques
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Outdoor play in playground and surrounding fields and forest
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Hikes and nature exploration
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Visits to barn animals
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Social-emotional skills development to encourage future problem solving, collaboration, and leadership
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Nurturing care to encourage confidence and self-advocacy
A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT BUILT FOR CHILDREN
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In our pre-elementary programs, we value cooperation, interaction, and willingness to accept challenges. We focus on individual strengths and value the uniqueness of each learner. While there are many curricular goals we set out to achieve, the process we use to accomplish these objectives varies from child to child. Our goal is to remain developmentally appropriate, and allow children to learn and explore in a way that is play-based and supportive. By providing diversified materials and numerous opportunities for observation, exploration, and inquiry, nearly all children will become true learners and problem solvers.
A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT BUILT FOR CHILDREN
Emergent Curriculum is all about following student interest and inquiry. Activities, projects, and the overall learning environment are planned based on the specific group of children.
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WHAT IS EMERGENT CURRICULUM?
PRE-ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS
