Open the Cottage door and step into the wonder and magic of an inspiring and nurturing learning environment geared to 3 and 4 year olds.   Through a thematic approach, children are engaged and immersed in a setting and curriculum that promotes their innate love of learning and expands their cognitive, social and emotional abilities.

Children delight in learning through active exploration, use of their senses, meaningful events and interactive playtime.  Rich and varied experiences in this “home away from home” provide a solid anchor for students who are transitioning to school life.

Cottage Curriculum

The  Cottage Curriculum is embedded in imaginative yearly themes and sub-themes.

Possible themes:
•    Castles and Dragons
•    Outer Space
•    Under the Sea
•    Children’s Literature
•    Down in the Meadow
•    Rogers and Hammerstein
•    The King and I
•    Oklahoma
•    The Sound of Music

Math

•    Classify, sort and group objects
•    Begin to count accurately – orally and with manipulatives
•    Begin to identify shapes
•    Begin to understand positional, spatial, directional words and concepts

Social Studies

•    Thematic approach
•    Awareness of self and family
•    Living in a community
•    Classroom routines and social skills
•    Partners with an older class
•    Study other cultures and holidays
•    Community service projects

Science

•    Hands-on exploration: observe, predict, compare and discuss
•    Develop respect and appreciation for other     living things
•    Integrated themes

Language Arts

•    Develop vocabulary and conversation skills
•    Listen for understanding and pleasure to stories, books, poems and songs
•    Participate in story telling, role playing and dramatic play
•    Become aware of print in the environment
•    Begin letter recognition
•    Become aware of beginning letter sounds
•    Express ideas through artwork and dictated experience stories

Enrichment

•    Spanish
•    Pottery
•    Art
•    Physical Education
•    Music
•    Outside play time

About the Teachers

Teacher Frances is a registered nurse as well as an Early Childhood Educator.  She has taught at Friends School since 1979.   Her children attended the school and her grandchildren currently attend.

Teacher Vicki has worked with Teacher Frances  since 2005.