Skytown is a play-based preschool. We use elements of the Reggio Emilia philosophy to allow the curriculum to emerge from the children’s own interests. Children move freely indoors and outdoors for most of the day, exploring their world as they choose. During this exploration they deepen their understanding of the natural world, math and science, literacy, and art. Play also allows them to develop their social-emotional awareness and skills.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The preschool years are a time of enormous social and emotional development.  Children are learning how to understand and identify their own emotions.  They are learning to recognize those emotions in others.  They are learning how their own actions may affect others’ emotions.  And they are learning how to negotiate those interactions with language.  

The teachers and parents at Skytown work together to create an environment where children know themselves, express themselves, and have respect and empathy for others.

Math and SCIENCE

We provide a wide variety of materials to measure, stack, build, take apart, and otherwise explore.  Tools like the sensory bin pictured here allow children to explore volumes and weights while also providing tactile stimulation. Our large sand area is perfect for digging and building projects.

Language, Literacy, and communication

Literacy happens in our classroom in many ways. Sometimes a child is at a point in his or her development to spontaneously pick up a sample alphabet and try to replicate it.

Other times, literacy springs out of a different activity, like at our indoor painting station. Our mixed-age classroom allows for scaffolding--for example, when a 3-year-old watches a 5-year-old write a letter, then tries to replicate it himself.

CREATIVE ARTS

Art happens everywhere at Skytown.  It happens in our sand boxes and through our building blocks.  It happens sitting at the art table and standing up at easels.  Many different art materials are available every day, and children are encouraged to play and create as they see fit.

nature

We love to go on walks and observe plants, insects, and birds. And since kids always have access to the outdoors, they are often found looking for spiders, splashing in puddles, and listening to the sounds of mother nature.