Beauty, simplicity and order supports the gentle unfolding of the Kindergarten child. Our teachers prepare warm, loving environments that reflect as closely as possible the best elements of care found in a healthy family. Children experience a warm sense of security surrounded by predictable daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms.
At Mountain Song Community School kindergarten children learn through hands-on activities and child-initiated play. Numerous research studies, spanning from the 1970s to current day, show that early formalized instruction makes only short-term gains but it is the play-based kindergarten that leads to greater success in reading, math and the development of the imagination.
In our play-based environment our Kindergarten teachers provide a place of warmth, beauty and inspiration and they serve as worthy role models for their children who at this age learn primarily through imitation.
By maintaining appropriate play spaces, teachers help children nurture their power of imagination. Toys are handmade using natural materials, or rocks, pinecones, stones, and pieces of wood are used for play. Carefully selected nature stories and fairy tales are told or presented through puppet shows to foster creativity in the children’s imaginative play.
Throughout the year, festivals mark the seasons with special stories, songs, verses, artistic activities, food, and treasures from nature. Many celebrations, including the child’s birthday, are tucked into the year. All the celebrations bring a sense of sharing, participation, fellowship, and gratitude for life.
Good morning dear earth
Good morning dear sun.
Good morning dear stones
And flowers every one.Good morning dear busy bees
And the birds in the trees.
Good morning to you
And good morning to me.
Artwork by Neah Bay Douglas, Mountain Song Community School
Fairy Tales and Folk Tales from around the world Songs, rhymes and tongue twisters Social and emotional learning through modeling, play, and puppetry
Counting games
Pattern forming in hand-work
Rhythm and pulse in music
Practical tasks such as baking, chopping, setting table
Watercolor
Beeswax modeling
Crayon coloring
Singing
Finger-knitting
Circle dances and finger games Outdoor and indoor free play
Baking bread
Making soup and other dishes
Early food relationships
Practical and simple gardening tasks
Chicken care