Curriculum

School for Friends has adopted “The Creative Curriculum” for Toddlers and Preschoolers as its official curriculum. However, in fact much of the content of the curriculum is emergent from the children’s interests. The curriculum is play-based and interactive.

The curriculum includes daily activities in the areas of language, art, dramatic play, music, science, and math.

The goals of our developmentally appropriate program are the following:

• To have children learn through the experience of involvement with other people and their environment through field trips, community service projects, ample outdoor physical play, and talking with teachers during their play.

• To foster social development through learning to negotiate, take turns, and make friends.

• To provide a structured day with a balance of active and quiet play that also allows and encourages choice. (See a Sample Schedule.)

• To have children learn skills in problem solving through allowing autonomy and encouraging thinking, and

• To provide a positive experience as a basis for future education.

Outcomes for children and families:

We realize that in Quaker Schools there is a healthy tension between measurable outcomes and providing a transforming experience for children that may not necessarily be measured.

The goal of our program is that children’s and families’ experiences at SFF help provide them with the following:

• Children will experience growth and learning in their social, emotional, physical language and cognitive development.

• In keeping with our Quaker values: The children will be able to relate to, respect, and work with people different from themselves. Children’s social skills will develop through learning to negotiate, take turns, and make friends. Children will be able to resolve conflict using non-violent techniques and be well on the pathway toward becoming peacemakers in the larger world.

• Children will develop not only a positive attitude but also positive approaches toward learning as a result of their experiences at School for Friends, particularly problem solving skills.

• Families will feel supported in their parenting and learn to participate in their child’s educational experiences.