SPRUCES
3 YEAR OLDS
At Connecticut Friends School, the classrooms are set up with various developmentally enriching “Centers” around the room. These are enhanced with inviting provocations which are inspired by and set out for our curious Friends to discover each day. In addition to ample outside time, snack time*, and story time, children immerse themselves as they wish in this classroom setting. Learning-through-play opportunities abound in the Block Center, Writing Center, Dramatic Play Center, the Library, Manipulatives, Sensory Table, Parts of Things, the Science Center, and Art. Emotional learning is also emphasized as children learn to name and honor their feelings, peacefully navigate conflict and respect and value others.
Our teachers nurture each child’s strengths and interests, with a focus on instilling confidence; fostering academic, social, and emotional development; and cultivating a lasting love of learning.
Our students spend time each day outdoors exploring, learning, and playing together on our tree-covered playground, garden, outdoor classroom and around our 5-acre wooded campus.
For all details on the year’s tuition and enrollment options, please see our Application for Admissions.
* Healthy snacks are provided daily and included in the cost of tuition.
FOCUSES:
Teachers emphasize the “social curriculum” cultivating empathy, kindness, naming and honoring feelings and caring for self and friends when navigating conflicts.
Spruces explore studies such as nature, self, families, animals and plants.
Children learn to be independent thinkers and can choose their own activities working in groups or individually.
STUDENT / TEACHER RATIO: 5:1
DAILY SCHEDULE
Spruces students can enroll in three, four, or five mornings per week from 9am to 12pm with extended day options.
9:00 – Arrival
9:15-9:30 – Morning Meeting
9:30- 10:30 – Project and Choice Time
10:30 – 10:40 – Clean up
10:40 – 11:00 – Jobs, Weather, Calendar
11:00 – 11:25 – Snack
11:25- 11:35 – Clean up & books
11:36 – 12:00 – Story and Movement
12:00 - Dismissal
12:00 – 1:00 – Lunch Time (lunch bunch)
1:00 – 2:00 – Outdoors/Playground (extended day)
2:00 – 3:00 – Project/Choice Time (extended day)