Safe Place

We do not use time out in our classrooms.  Instead, we have an area called the Safe Place.  The Safe Place is a place where students can safely self-regulate and gain or maintain composure.  The goal of the safe place is to provide students with a place in their...

At the art easel and interest area, children are able to explore and be creative through the visual arts. They practice other skills like critical thinking, decision making and observation. Art is a way to express feelings. Adults can extend the activity by asking questions like how did you...

At the sensory table, children practice hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. They also explore ideas like the volume, quantity, weight, and measurement. We often use different materials in the tables. This provides the children with opportunities to explore and experiment with senses.

Each of our classrooms has a library area. Here children get to experience and appreciate books. They practice literacy and reading skills. We encourage volunteers to read books with groups of children in the classroom.

Children use tools to explore their world! We offer opportunities for prediction, observation and experimentation. Play here helps to develop knowledge of the world and technology.

When children play with blocks they are practicing brainstorming, engineering, and problem solving skills. We provide a variety of blocks and toys for children to be creative with.

At the writing table students are able to use different writing utensils and materials to develop writing, communication, vocabulary, and fine motor skills. We offer materials outside the typical paper and pencil, such as stencils, tracing boards, rulers and name cards.

In the math and manipulatives interest area children use small manipulative toys to practice concepts, comparison, patterning and measurement. Manipulatives provide great experiences for prediction!

In the dramatic play area, children use creativity and imagination to role play using dress-up clothes and props. They build cooperation, problem-solving and language skills through their interaction with peers. They use literacy, cognitive and math skills while cooking, setting the table, using recipe books and environmental print. We...