Early Childhood Program
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Our Approach
Our youngest students are adventurers: they are eager to connect, explore and learn. We support them in their growth and independence during this very special time through a thoughtfully-sequenced curriculum that creates an environment filled with possibilities. We honor the social and academic learning that happens through play and exploration. Art, music, and movement bring joy and creativity to each day. Our Early Childhood Program follows an integrated curriculum model that teaches children through meaningful context. By introducing an overarching big idea then weaving traditional subjects such as math, literacy and social studies around one central theme, students are able to access information and skills in a deeper, more meaningful way. Even our youngest students begin to see themselves as writers, mathematicians, artists, musicians, athletes, scientists through daily explorations and activities.
At Brookwood, we teach and model kindness, compassion and social competency; it is our belief that all children can feel that they are contributing members of a community. Using five basic tenets as a foundation—empathy/civility, sense of self, resiliency, advocacy and personal responsibility—students learn to pay attention to their feelings and emotions, and respect and honor those of their peers. Students are exposed to regular mindfulness practices where they begin to acquire the tools to work with daily situations. The service learning projects are also used to teach students about local and global issues through research and action.
Classroom Communities
At Brookwood, teachers lay the foundations for strong class communities: expectations are shared, routines are established and rules are created in order to help all kids be their best. We devote the beginning weeks of school to practicing the skills needed to create and maintain a cooperative and collaborative environment. Classroom communities are created anew every September—each one unique and distinct, molded by the personalities and passions of its students and teachers—with the overarching goal of honoring all individuals as members of our broader, vibrant Brookwood community.
Building Relationships Across Grades
As part of our Personal Growth and Development (PGD) program, EC students meet with fourth grade buddies regularly to foster a greater understanding of what it means to be an empathetic and responsible member of our school community. It is a wonderful opportunity for both the younger and older students to form relationships that last throughout their years at Brookwood.