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About the Pre-3 ClassIn Pre-3s, playful exploration, accompanied by clear expectations and kind guidance from the teacher and parents, promotes the development of social skills, emotional intelligence, scientific inquiry, literacy, physical capabilities (fine and gross motor skills), mathematics, and a lifelong love of learning.
Our class is organized around weekly themes that emerge out of the children's direct experience and interests. Themes may include seasons, feelings, friendship, animals, plants, weather, vehicles, etc. The majority of the class time is "free choice"-- children can choose from a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and delight, inspire imaginary play, and foster creativity. |
Fast FactsAge - 2 years old by Aug 31
Meets - Monday 9:30-11:30am & Friday 11:30-1:30pm Costs - $93/mo per child + NSC tuition $53.25/quarter Teacher- Beth Graham Questions? Email pre-3s@wedgwoodcoop.org |
A Typical Day
The first half hour of class is devoted to large motor play (outside, weather-permitting). We have a wonderful enclosed yard to play in. Children have opportunities to run, climb stumps, throw balls, dig in a large sand pit, paint, dance with streamers, play with small parachutes, blow bubbles, and more! When it is rainy, we play indoors in the "Climbing Room" on a variety of large motor equipment and re-configurable play structures.
After the kids expel some energy, we gather as a group on the rug for fifteen minutes of "Circle Time." Circle time includes singing, creative movement, listening to and participating in stories, and playing with rhythm and rhyme.
Next comes snack so the kids can re-fuel. Students sit at assigned tables and parents help them practice good manners. Starting mid-year, parents lead short activities that encourage interaction around the table.
The second half of class is open area play. Children move freely among a variety of stations each with its own activity that changes from day-to-day based on the weekly theme and teacher discretion:
After the kids expel some energy, we gather as a group on the rug for fifteen minutes of "Circle Time." Circle time includes singing, creative movement, listening to and participating in stories, and playing with rhythm and rhyme.
Next comes snack so the kids can re-fuel. Students sit at assigned tables and parents help them practice good manners. Starting mid-year, parents lead short activities that encourage interaction around the table.
The second half of class is open area play. Children move freely among a variety of stations each with its own activity that changes from day-to-day based on the weekly theme and teacher discretion:
- The art center encourages creativity with open-ended project such as painting, drawing, collage and print making.
- The home center sets the scene for dramatic play with a play kitchen and dishes, dolls, dress-up, and props related to the weekly theme, plus play-dough!
- The sensory table offers a wide variety of materials to feel and explore: water, sand, rice, flax seed, etc.
- The building area is the place to create structures, roads, train tracks, farms, zoos, habitats, and more.
- The library loft is a quiet, cozy spot for reading books on the weekly theme or by author of the month or acting them out with hand puppets.
- The climbing room provides a wide range of possibilities for big movement, with ever-changing configurations of equipment.
- The table toys area offers materials that challenge fine motor control such as puzzles, peg boards, rubber band boards, and small blocks.
Parent Participation
Wedgwood is a cooperative preschool, and parent participation is an important part of the Pre-3 program. Parents attend class with their children one day a week and act as assistant teachers. During area play, parents staff the stations and facilitate the activities, helping children learn to use materials, problem solve, and build vocabulary. As the year progresses, parents prepare and lead small group activities. Each parent also brings snack for the class approximately three times a year.
Wedgwood Coop is affiliated with North Seattle Community College, and all parents must enroll in a 3-credit course in early childhood development. The classroom acts as a "lab," while a mandatory parent meeting one evening per month serves as the "lecture." The school is a non-profit and relies on parents to keep it running. Every parent is expected to perform a job (e.g., class photographer, substitute teacher, after class cleaning, equipment maintenance and repair, etc.), take a 3-hour cleaning shift two weekends a year, and participate in fundraising.
In exchange for this time commitment, coop offers a rewarding, growth-filled and exciting experience for children and parents together.
For more information or to schedule a time to visit the classroom, email pre-3s@wedgwoodcoop.org.
Wedgwood Coop is affiliated with North Seattle Community College, and all parents must enroll in a 3-credit course in early childhood development. The classroom acts as a "lab," while a mandatory parent meeting one evening per month serves as the "lecture." The school is a non-profit and relies on parents to keep it running. Every parent is expected to perform a job (e.g., class photographer, substitute teacher, after class cleaning, equipment maintenance and repair, etc.), take a 3-hour cleaning shift two weekends a year, and participate in fundraising.
In exchange for this time commitment, coop offers a rewarding, growth-filled and exciting experience for children and parents together.
For more information or to schedule a time to visit the classroom, email pre-3s@wedgwoodcoop.org.