Play is often talked about
as if it were a relief from
serious learning. But for children play is serious
learning.
-Fred Rogers
Our Program
Our founder, Michelle Berkman, developed the Little Oaks Play School philosophy from her 20+ years experience with many child development philosophies, especially Montessori, Waldorf, and RIE. With this background, Michelle has crafted a unique program that draws on the best best qualities from each of these approaches for Little Oaks Play School.
This hybrid philosophy centers around a few key ideas: play-based learning; observing daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, which provide security through predictability; a focus on natural toys that spark a child’s creativity and curiosity; and fostering secure emotional attachment through acknowledging feelings while providing clear boundaries. The Little Oaks philosophy was designed to give children support and freedom, so they can begin like small acorns and sprout into strong, sturdy oak trees.
Rhythms
Daily Rhythm
8:30AM: Arrival & Activity
9:00AM: Indoor play
9:45AM: Circle time
10:00AM: Morning snack
10:30AM: Extended outdoor play
Noon: Lunch
12:30PM: Nap
3:00PM: Gardening
3:30PM: Afternoon snack
3:45PM: Extended indoor play
5:00PM Good-bye for today!
Daily Rhythm
8:30AM: Arrival & Activity
9:00AM: Indoor play
9:45AM: Circle time
10:00AM: Morning snack
10:30AM: Extended outdoor play
Noon: Lunch
12:30PM: Nap
3:00PM: Gardening
3:30PM: Afternoon snack
3:45PM: Extended indoor play
5:00PM Good-bye for today!
Weekly Rhythm
Time, for young children, is very abstract. They live in the present. Everything in the future happens "tomorrow," and everything in the past happened "yesterday." Rather than using days of the week, which hold little meaning for children, we associate each weekday with a food and an activity. Knowing that play dough day follows painting day and is before soup day is much more meaningful for children than memorizing that Wednesday comes after Tuesday but is before Thursday.
Monday
Activity: Baking Bread
Snack: Bread & Cheese
Tuesday
Activity: Painting
Snack: Beans & Rice w/ Avocado
Wednesday
Activity: Play Dough
Snack: Almond Butter & Apples
Thursday
Activity: Making Soup
Snack: Cheese & Veggies
Friday
Activity: Special Projects
Snack: Edamame & Fruit
Seasonal Rhythm
Our program also emphasizes the rhythm of seasons. As each season progresses, we observe changes in the weather and in nature around us. Below are some of the things we talk about at different times of the year:
Spring
New beginnings, planting of seeds, and rebirth after Winter
Summer
Growth
Fall
Change, endings
Winter
Rest, dormancy