Our philosophy: "Children learn through play, and play is their work."
The Nursery School strives to address the children's different styles of learning as well as each child's interests, needs, and motivations. We believe intellectual, social, emotional, and physical developments are intricately interwoven; and it is important to develop a well-rounded child with experiences in all domains.
By the time a child graduates from the Nursery School, he/she is well prepared to enter the public school system. He/she has the self-confidence, self-motivation, self-esteem, and the basic building blocks to succeed in the rest of their school years and through life.
While at Skowhegan Nursery School, a variety of activities are available for children to explore arts & crafts, math/science, language development, reading readiness, beginning writing skills, and music. Our curriculum is further enhanced by changing themes, visitors to our classroom and field trips.
After signing in, the children begin their day with morning circle, where there is name recognition, weather, calendar, songs and discussion concerning the day’s activities. Then the children move into the bulk of their morning where they are free to choose which learning centers they want to explore.
Monthly themes include, but are not limited to, self and family, career awareness, holidays, circus, clothing, communication, community helpers, health, gardening, musical instruments, farm animals, Native Americans, senses, pets, shapes, transportation, the changing seasons, etc. Some of these themes are supported by adventures such as: field trips to an apple orchard, maple sugar house, dairy farm, fire station, library, grocery store, animal clinic, greenhouse, and more; OR community workers will visit the Nursery School including: firefighters, police officers, paramedics, doctors, nurses, musicians, etc.
Stations include: Art Center; Rice Table; Block & Construction Center; Dramatic Play Center; Writing & Reading Centers; Puppet Theatre; Science & Exploration Center