Curriculum

At Columbus Park West Nursery School, we encourage children to observe, process and describe their experiences. Doing so provides the foundation for more sophisticated problem solving and academic work they will encounter as they progress through school. The curriculum emphasizes authentic science, math, social studies and language experiences that are woven throughout themes and projects tailored to the students interests.

Language Arts
One major goal of the program is to instill in students a love of reading and writing. At CPWN we nurture emergent literacy development beginning with the oral tradition. Students enjoy significant amounts of rich storytelling, read alouds and book projects. Through these experiences, children learn to use language as a powerful tool for expressing their feelings and ideas and for negotiating social interactions with both peers and adults. Since writing precedes reading, plenty of opportunities are provided for children to experiment with written language. Faculty guide literacy development through a developmentally sensitive approach that naturally builds writing and reading into meaningful, authentic activities that are of importance to young children. Children can often be found writing letters home, creating their own books and charting science and social studies projects.

Math & Science
CPWN faculty utilize a constructivist approach to scientific and mathematical inquiry. Teachers build on the innate innovation, creativity and questioning that young children are so eager to engage in. Since young children are concrete learners, they are encouraged to explore and manipulate the physical materials and around them. Children are guided through the process of inquiry, hypothesis making and testing as they engage in experimenting with the physical world. Blocks, sand, water, cooking and art materials are used in guiding children’s mathematic and scientific thinking.

Social Studies
Children are naturally interested in the people, homes and communities around them. Our social studies curriculum builds on this intrinsic curiosity to help children develop a deeper understanding of their world. Students in previous classes have taken field trips to the local farmers' market and grocery stores, cooked and tasted a variety of foods from around the world, and compiled a book of class recipes. Through participation in these activities, children learn about different social customs from around the world.

Social-Emotional Development
Early childhood is the prime time for helping children develop a strong sense of themselves as worthy, important people, while guiding them towards an understanding , respect and tolerance of others. Accordingly, a key focus in the program is the social –emotional development of all students. Using a process oriented approach, faculty guide children in learning to express themselves, to listen, and to consider others' feelings. At CPWN each child is respected and valued and is guided to develop a strong sense of self worth. Children at our school acquire a repertoire of effective problem-solving techniques. Columbus Park West children often astound adults with their autonomy in resolving disputes. The unique nature of our social-emotional curriculum is often of interest to local teachers colleges. Recently, the CPWN program has been the subject of dissertation research by Teacher’s College students.

Specialty Classes
All students engage in "specials" several times each week. These include music, yoga, movement, art and dance. Specials classes may be taught by professional performers or by our own faculty. Our singing repertoire includes a mixture of folk songs, nursery school classics, and new songs written for children. These are combined with rhythm, movement and finger play, strengthening their spatial sense and physical awareness.