PreKindergarten students enjoy daily opportunities to express themselves artistically using a variety of materials including (but not limited to) paint, markers, crayons, colored pencils, chalk, stampers, ink pads, scissors, collage materials, recycled materials, glue, Play-Doh, and clay. In contrast to some teacher guided activities that focus on teaching specific skills, these art experiences encourage self-expression, experimentation, independent thinking, and stretching the imagination.

The core curriculum for the library adds depth to all other curricular areas for each grade level. We seek to foster a love of reading in our students by exploring literature and engaging in book discussions. We believe that research and information literacy skills are vital to success across every subject area. Guided by standards outlined by the American Library Association, we teach students how to find and access information effectively and efficiently, how to critically evaluate information and its sources, how to incorporate research into their own work, and how to properly cite information gathered through this process in their own work.

Providing exposure to, and opportunities for participation in a variety of musical activities is woven into our daily curriculum.  Through participation in singing, movement, and dance children begin to understand basic musical concepts such as rhythm, tempo, beat, and pitch while singing songs, playing musical instruments, listening to CD’s, and sharing stories with song lyrics. We incorporate components of the Music Together program to enhance their musical learning.

All students PreSchool - 8th Grade  have weekly physical education in the gymnasium or out on the field. Students take part in a variety of activities and units that follow and adhere to The Shape America Physical Education Standards. Some of the units that we teach at TCS are...low ropes course (Signature Program), soccer, golf, floor hockey, lacrosse, and cooperative games.

The Physical Education Department, first and foremost, is responsible for helping our young people acquire the skills and self-confidence they need to participate in a wide variety of physical activities. The curriculum seeks to develop strength, stamina, and coordination. Our hope is that what is gained through our fun and developmentally appropriate activities will go with them well beyond their school days. Students learn the motor skills necessary to participate in a wide variety of physical activities, helping them to understand the link between physical activity and good health.

PreKindergarten students meet once per week for 30 minutes. Students begin to learn spatial awareness, non-locomotor/locomotor skills, early object manipulation tasks and group cooperation activities. Students will progress into more complex activities. Similar benchmarks to PreSchool.  Class format - Classes begin with a cardio/muscular strength/endurance activity; activity introduction; 1-2 activities; closure. PreKindergarten teachers assist where needed.

Children are introduced to the Spanish language. Spanish is incorporated in an interactive way, through music, movement, storytelling and games, incorporating Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) and Responsive Classroom. Language instruction will be tied to the classroom curriculum, where appropriate. Particular emphasis is on the repetition of vocabulary and commands.

Daily opportunities that allow children to further explore the world of science incorporate several key goals. While some lessons are planned and some are spontaneous, all encourage children to become more thorough observers, provide opportunities for investigation and discovery, foster a love and appreciation of the natural environment, stimulate logical thinking, and build a better understanding of the scientific process.

In the classroom, children extend their learning by utilizing the STEAM components for more in-depth investigation, teacher/student collaboration, student-initiated learning, and additional sharing of ideas. Collaboration with co-curricular teachers further enhances the children’s learning experiences and opportunities.

The Country School embraces the Responsive Classroom approach. This teaching philosophy helps foster respectful relationships and a positive, nurturing classroom environment. Associated research has shown that the greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction, and that by establishing these respectful relationships within the classroom, students work together more effectively and collaboratively. The principles supporting the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching suggest that in order to be successful academically and socially, children need a set of social skills: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control (CARES). This year we will be spending much of our time focusing on Cooperation. These skills are vital attributes necessary for social and academic growth and for the development of a positive learning community. All teachers at The Country School incorporate this educational philosophy.

The Elmore Leadership Program at The Country School recognizes that at each grade level, students will develop leadership skills in different ways and at different times. In keeping with this 11 year continuum, the PreSchool through Third Grade Program strives to develop students into civic-minded citizens who will consistently practice our TCS core values of kindness, respect, and responsibility. Through carefully crafted activities, programs, and experiences, our students learn the power of teamwork, collaboration, empathetic listening, and appreciative inquiry. They take turns leading and letting others lead.

The importance of helping young children learn how to navigate through their world in socially appropriate ways is done through the Affective Education program. We introduce PreKers to decision making, teamwork, self-awareness, leadership, trust, conflict resolution, respect, stewardship, tolerance, and self-advocacy. Character education, Responsive Classroom components, Yoga 4 Classrooms, and the Choose Love program are consistently incorporated into our day as we work together to establish class rules, share morning meetings, talk about and implement logical consequences, model positive teacher language, and introduce materials through guided discovery that encourage creativity and responsibility. Class discussions, individual conversations, role-playing, and literature also assist in helping further each child’s social development.