Christ's Church Nursery School Educational Approach

The theoretical roots of our educational approach are derived from the work of Erikson, Piaget, Dewey and Vygotsky. Our developmental – interaction approach, commonly called The Bank Street Approach, applies knowledge of children’s stages of development to help each child become a competent, self-confident learner. Respectful attention is paid to issues of separation, and to the establishment of each child’s positive self identity. We frequently observe the children at play in order to discern areas of competence and to set new goals for individualized instruction.

Our practice is guided by the realization that children progress through developmental stages that are only loosely identified with age. What we are sure of about developmental stages is that progress involves a mix of stability and instability. The educator’s challenge is to help children find a balance between consolidating their understandings (through play) and offering new challenges that will promote growth (through interaction with the people and materials in the environment and planned experiences). We also know that for children, thinking and feeling are not separate, and we encourage self-expression through the arts (music, movement, drawing, story, and especially painting). These creative interactions with materials encourage cognitive and affective development.

Finally, we understand that growth and maturing involve conflict – conflict with the self and conflict with others. Children must learn how to regulate their behavior, how to negotiate taking a turn, and how to function as part of a larger social group. We encourage children’s efforts to be independent while simultaneously providing them with the structure they need to be successful.

We know that children learn through play. Therefore, our classrooms are arranged into interest centers. Sand/water, blocks, art, writing, table toys, dramatic play, science/discovery, music, games, library and meeting areas – plus our outdoor playground – offer exciting and meaningful learning experiences.

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