Philosophy
Since 1973, LCNS has been providing rewarding preschool programs that encourage children to learn through hands-on discovery and play. Carefully guided play helps a child to think critically, solve problems creatively and develop a positive attitude toward school. Developmentally appropriate activities shape our curricula and allow young children to feel confident about themselves and the world around them.
Our Goal
At LCNS, we aim to encourage children to learn through hands-on discovery and play.
A typical school day at LCNS
- Warm and engaging teachers who care about the child's social, emotional and cognitive growth
- Carefully chosen learning centers where children can explore different materials through play to facilitate topics of math, science, art, social studies and literacy in small groups
- Large group activities that may include stories, classroom jobs, counting, graphing, rhyming and group discussions
- A nurturing environment where parallel and cooperative play help children establish positive relationships, learn critical social skills and gain self-esteem
- Free play where children can self-regulate their time at different areas in the room on their own or with friends. Some of these areas may include blocks corner, art table, media table, dramatic play center, book corner, easel or play dough table
- Snack time with classmates which includes sharing in the table duties and socially interacting in a positive manner, and recalling the day's activities
- Gross motor play whether outdoor or indoors that includes climbing, pedaling, sliding. Whether outdoors in our naturally wooded playground or indoors in our 1000 square foot play space, gross motor play is essential to every child’s early development
Additionally, on a weekly basis children can expect
Music
Children meet each week with the music director. They learn songs, dances, fingerplays and chants that coordinate with the classroom curriculum. The material is chosen paying special attention to the pre-reading skills of rhyme, sequence, pattern and vocabulary. Through the use of instruments and movement activities the children practice their rhythm and hand-eye coordination. They also learn basic musical theory such as fast and slow, high and low, soft and loud. Finally, by singing and dancing together as a group the children learn socialization and feel connected to their classmates and teachers.
Social Emotional lessons
Our “Kindness Curriculum” formally takes place once a week but the lessons are regularly weaved through daily interactions with children. This mindful-based curriculum includes children’s books, music, movement and other activities to teach and instill concepts related to kindness, compassion.
Journals/Story Dictation
Children are given the opportunity to sit with their teacher on a one-to-one level to dictate a story or answer an open ended question. Teachers in return write down exactly what the child says. Children feel empowered as they watch the spoken word transform into the written word. This is a beneficial learning tool that helps build language, literacy and social skills. Children then capture their stories with a drawing.