Curriculum

Family, Community, Exploration.

The RHCNS curriculum has been developed using the NJ State Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, Mrs Linden’s experience, and input based the children’s interests. 

We are play-based, developmentally appropriate and have a heavy emphasis on nature. 

The children go outside everyday with the exception of  heavy rain or extreme cold.  Rain and winter gear are essential for children’s play.

Creativity and “out of the box” thinking are encouraged.  Social skills and conflict resolution are an integral part of our day. 

We are not holiday centric, but we do address children’s and families holidays and celebrations, with one day devoted to each. Holidays are not celebrated all month long, and historical inaccuracies  are not addressed.

Family:  As a parent co-op, parents run the school, serve on committees and have a chance to be board members.  Families are involved in celebrations and our twice yearly Music Together nights.  If children have separation anxiety, parents are welcome to stay until the child is comfortable. Parents are assigned “helping days” in the classroom approximately 3-4 times a year. 

Community:  A child’s first world is family, their second is their community as they learn about the world around them.  We walk to the Post Office and rescue squad, and are visited by the fire department every year.  Field trips, which typically occur monthly, can include apple picking, a trip to a farm, grocery store, airport, Washington’s Headquarters, and hikes in the fields and woods behind the school, to name a few. Trips change as topics in class change.  

Exploration:  Children learn by touching, smelling, manipulating, moving, experiencing.  Alphabet letters, for example, are made by using play dough and hands-on materials before they are written. 

Materials such as play dough, paint, and natural objects are provided for the children to explore, and they decide what to create.  You won’t find perfectly made, pre-cut by the teacher “art” here!  Children should be free to THINK and explore, which ignites the imagination and stimulates their language skills!   See the blog post, “Tell Me About It.”  

 http://www.rhcns.org/2017/12/09/tell-me-about-it/

Rocky Hill Co-op is a place for children to learn and grow with the support of families and staff. Parents who come here want a school that encourages family participation, nature, outside play, and celebrates the joy of childhood.