PRESCHOOL
Imagine �at !
Creative Exploration and Imagination in the Preschool
CPA Preschool is one of the most unique spaces on campus , alive with the hustle and bustle of toddlers and PreK students exploring the world around them . The energy of childhood joy is almost palpable on the playscape , in the halls , and around the Cross Garden .
Squeals of delight , tiny feet running down the breezeway , gasps of wonder , giggles , and wiggles abound on weeks like Week of the Young Child . Traditionally coined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children , Week of the Young Child combines high-quality learning and imaginative play to celebrate the joy and wonder of early childhood . Preschool faculty and staff orchestrate week-long festivities , themed to educate students about a different topic or concept : Beach Day , Make and Create Day , Superhero Day , Olympics Day , and Transportation Day . It ’ s highly anticipated each year .
While each theme presents lots of opportunities for fun and laughs , it ’ s the detailed design of each day that brings both rich learning and genuine delight . Preschool teachers use the breezeway to set up different stations for themed sensory play , arts and crafts , games , and educational activities . On Beach Day , students use their imagination and sensory bins of sand , water , seashells , and sea creatures to learn about marine life , beach landscapes , and God ’ s unique design of the ocean . Sensory play is a key component of each day , engaging hands , eyes , smell , etc . to explore different materials . On Transportation Day , teachers share all of the ways our cities and states
– FRED ROGERS
function through highways , public transport , and civic helpers such as school bus drivers , railway workers , airline captains , and even crossing guards . Elated , students even take a train ride around campus ! Teachers incorporate physical movement , strength , and the concept of friendly competition and patriotism on Olympics Day with a mini obstacle course . Dodging through the course , students imagine themselves worldfamous athletes competing for the honor of the American flag .
This year , a special moment involved Head of School Nate Morrow surprising students on Superhero Day in an elaborate Buzz Lightyear costume ! While Nate and the faculty enjoy watching each boy and girl swell with pride at the thought of being super with “ special powers ,” it was a deeper
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning . But for children play is serious learning . Play is really the work of childhood .
18 PURPLE & GOLD 2020-21