Curriculum Statement

Maison des Petites is a play group. Our activities may vary from day to day—within established schedules of snacks, diaper changes, potty checks and rest time. Those scheduled essentials serve to nourish the children at appropriate intervals, keep them clean and comfortable and offer them the opportunity to rest their minds and bodies --requisites for children to maximize opportunities for learning physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and creatively through play.

We usually have one or two themes a month. The themes serve as springboards for me to actively engage the children through artistic exploration, finger plays and sign language, music, observation and science, creative and dramatic play, games and puzzles, and by establishing and modeling guidelines for conduct i.e. respect for the rights of each person in the group. We also practice doing the healthy business of hand and teeth washing, diaper changes and potty checks.

The children have many opportunities to make choices. They include whether or not to participate in preschool activities, do an art project, help prepare and serve snacks, where to play (except in foot traffic areas) and what (books and musical instruments, manipulatives, toys, puppets, dressups and art materials) to play with. They may choose what and how much to eat, when they need to be changed, when to nap (within a reasonable time frame) and often, what to wear.

We may do formal experiments with magnets, water, soap, play dough, vinegar, baking soda and sow bugs. But, of course, the children are exploring and experimenting informally throughout the day, inside and outside, with the toys and materials we provide.

Opportunities for play give the children experiences necessary for social and emotional growth. Games promote opportunities for taking turns; puzzles and musical games encourage children to work together. I am also a valuable role model. When I meet the social and emotional needs of the children by treating them with fairness, caring and respect, they will do likewise. If I touch them gently, they will learn to touch each other gently; if I guide them calmly and reasonably, they will learn to work out differences with each other calmly and reasonably; if I share, they will share; if I give them turns, they will give each other turns—whether it involves listening, talking, swinging, or playing with a toy.