Our
Programs
 

Art Area

Includes graphic arts (such as paint, crayons, chalk) as well as modeling materials (including clay, play dough, slime), paste and collage and a diverse collection of other “found objects.” Art activities provide opportunity for motor, self-expression and creativity. It is the interaction with materials rather than the finished product that is important.

Kitchen/Dramatic Play Area

Includes use of thematically based “prop boxes” to create interesting environments for fantasy and make-believe play. Kitchen or “housekeeping” equipment includes furniture, dishes, clothing and other materials familiar to the child. Dramatic play provides opportunities for role-playing in make-believe and real life situations. It builds creative thinking, language, social skills and self-image.

Block Building Area

Includes blocks of different sizes, forms and materials (such as unit blocks, hollow blocks, cardboard bricks) with a variety of accessories (vehicles, animals, people, puppets, mats, etc.) designed to enhance the play. A large, carpeted space is provided to allow for large constructions. The open-ended quality of blocks lends itself to satisfying experiences, both simple and complex. Math, science, language, motor and problem-solving skills are just some of the areas complemented by block play.

Sand/Water/Woodworking/Natural Materials

The versatility of sand, wood and water provide a framework for many developmental concepts. Natural materials are used both indoors and outdoors. Sieves, funnels, hoses, shovels, spoons and a variety of containers are used extensively for sand and water. Child-sized tools, glue, tape and wood scraps provide opportunities for building. Motor, mathematical, creative, social skills are encouraged along with scientific exploration.

Manipulatives

Small motor materials such as puzzles, pegs, beads, etc. promote the use of cognitive, eye-hand and problem-solving skills. Generally a quiet activity, manipulatives may be used individually or with a small group.

Books/Storytelling

A comfortable space, arrayed with carpet and pillows, invites children to explore the world of books. Books of stories, poetry, non-fiction, as well as, picture books are made available. Stories are part of every day’s routine, whether by books, puppets, felt board or role-playing.

Outside Play

The playground is considered an extension of the classroom. Outside time is part of everyday play. Children work actively trying out ideas, games, roles and the environment. Children run jump, skip, hop, climb, slide, swing, push, throw and dig, as well as, collect and examine natural objects. A variety of climbers, wheel-toys, digging areas, swings, slides and dramatic play areas are provided.

Science

Experiences are provided to promote the development of skills in observation, problem-solving and understanding of cause and effect. These activities provide exposure to mathematical concepts of measurement and afford opportunities to use skills in comparing and contrasting. Children are encouraged to expand their appreciation of their environment and the natural world through exploration and experimentation.

Music/Circle Time

This portion of the class provides an opportunity for each child to participate in a large group activity where ideas are shared and demonstrated. The class is gathered as a whole group for ten to fifteen minutes to engage in social activities such as games, singing, dancing, role-playing, as well as, listening to a story with relevant discussion.

The Twos
Tuesday and Thursday
9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
The curriculum focus for our youngest children is primarily on their social-emotional growth. Typically, this is their first time in school, and one component of this experience is helping them master their feelings concerning separation from their parents and/or caregivers. The building of positive relationships between parents and teachers is the foundation for a child’s constructive experience with starting school. The twos class creates a safe and age-appropriate setting, while providing an introduction to the routines and tasks of a typical school day. Experiential activities offer learning through dramatic play, simplified art and other projects, music, outdoor play, toys, blocks and games. Story times and group gatherings are kept purposely short for this group. There are no field trips for this class.

The Threes
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Most children in this class have been in school already for a year. Some art projects include multiple steps, and music and stories are more complex. Books may be acted out, and pre-literacy skills such as patterning, predicting and extending are encouraged. The children have daily job assignments to teach cooperation and increased responsibility. Activities include music/movement, art, sensory table, dramatic play, manipulatives, reading, and outdoor play. An emphasis on self-help skills, sharing, and cooperation drives this curriculum. Several field trips are planned throughout the school year.

Extended Programs

For The Twos - Lunch Bunch
Tuesday and Thursday
12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.

For The Threes - Extended Day
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

For The Fours - Extended Day
Monday through Friday
1:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

The Extended Programs are unstructured class experiences open to all children enrolled at KNS.

Lunch Bunch is a time for The Twos to enjoy lunch with their teacher and classmates.

Lunch Bunch is $30 per month.

Extended Day begins when the morning classes end. There is a paid assistant so no co-oping is necessary.

Extended Day is $50 per day, per month, with a minimum of two days per week.

We also offer drop-in Extended Programs when space is available. Please reach out to enrollment@knscoop.org, your child’s teacher, or refer to the KNS Handbook section about drop-in policies and procedures.