The Plum Tree Curriculum
We trust the often mysterious process by which every child develops and matures. We seek to witness, nurture, and guide the unfolding of each child's intelligences, humor, sense of wonder, and connection to others. Our goal is to offer a joyful, loving, and beautiful environment in which each individual's unique personality, learning style, and rate of learning will be honored.
We believe that children express their understanding of their experiences through many "languages" such as storytelling, dramatic play, song, movement, paint, sculpture, and drawing.
Philosophy
The Preschool Program at Plum Tree School is based on best practice early care and education philosophy, inspired by approaches which seek to develop the whole child. Collectively, and alongside our own expertise as teachers and wisdom as parents, these educational approaches inspire our educational program to include the following elements:
-
A balance between child-initiated and teacher-facilitated learning;
-
Daily experiences in the creative arts as a lens through which children express their understanding and joy of the world they live in (dancing, singing, painting);
-
Emphasis on the development of domestic life skills (cooking, building, washing);
-
Direct experience with nature, including celebrations of the changing seasons (gardening, environmental observation)
-
A primary focus on relationship and mindfulness as the center point for care and learning, including guidance in developing compassion, loving kindness, and generosity
A Day at Plum Tree
The day starts with circle time ~
Singing, dancing, and meditation.
Activities and free play ~
Cooking, art, handwork, puzzles, blocks, cooperative games, creative dramatics, and other play that encourages children to use their imaginations.
Snack time ~
Children participate in making snacks from whole foods: chopping fresh vegetables for soup, peeling apples for applesauce, kneading dough for bread, flaking groats for oatmeal, etc...(Plum Tree is a nut-free facility.)
Outside play ~
The children spend most of their day at Plum Tree with backyard play and weekly trips to Manito Park.
A Year at Plum Tree
Building community for children and families.
Fall ~
Harvest Festival
El Dia De Los Muertos
Silent Meal of Thanks
Winter ~
Lantern Walk
Winter Celebration Family Dance
Sledding
Spring ~
Kite Flying Picnic
Gardening
May Pole
Summer ~
Summer Camps are available. (Separate enrollment process & fees)
Through-out the year ~
Weekly Craft Night
Meditation Classes for Parents