Armonk, NY
Armonk Nursery School

"It is the aim of the nursery school to create an atmosphere of love and concern in which the child can learn to know the world as a place of wonder. We acknowledge the importance of teaching the preschooler about the world in which they live, and strive to guide them as they seek their own identity, develop initiative, and grow in the knowledge of their own abilities and an understanding of others.
Play is the highest phase of child development. This absorbing, total play of childhood will develop the feelings, creativeness, insight, and self-determination so necessary to sustaining the children as they grow.
While we realize that the four year old is indeed ready for some formal instruction, we do not feel obligated to impose scholastic standards upon them. The teacher moves into scholastic pursuits only for the child's enjoyment and in answer to their inquiry. If the child develops a freedom of expression and a sense of wonder at what surrounds they, we believe that learning will always be fun for them."
Excerpted from the preschool's website

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"Work Time: Each child selects an activity and is free to move from one activity to another. He/she may work alone with one or two friends, or join a larger group. A construction, art, craft or science project center under the direct supervision of one of the adults usually introduces a new or different activity every few days.
Story and Listening: Quiet sharing provides time for concept, vocabulary, and language development; fantasy and reality are enjoyed as general knowledge is enlarged, science may be an important part of this period; exercises in visual and auditory discrimination may be included.
Music Participation: Sensory experience, body control, memory development are all aspects of this time as children learn to appreciate and enjoy music.
Snack: nutrition is stressed; children are introduced to different foods. This is a time for children to socialize; teachers listen intently. Children assume responsibility for helping with snack; counting, sharing, observing, (color, texture, small, size, shape) extending eye-hand coordination are all part of this relaxing time.
Physical Activity: outdoor playground whenever possible or indoor playroom play permits development of large muscles, confidence, skills, creative use of space and large equipment.
Clean-up: is a time for children to share in assuming responsibility, cooperating, caring for pets, plants, and materials."
Excerpted from the preschool's website

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