Enrichment Curriculum
Art
At The Learning Nest, we provide children with art activities inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which is uniquely structured to encourage exploration, discovery, and creativity. The children work and experiment with different materials to create projects based on their own interests, ideas, experiences, and interactions with their surroundings, while developing communication, team work, organization, and problem solving skills. These art projects are represented in different ways: painting, construction, drama, music, movement, play, etc.
Spanish
At The Learning Nest, we teach Spanish as a second language through the immersion method, which enables your child to live the language. Children develop a second language by hearing it and using it daily in the classroom. One teacher in each classroom will interact entirely in Spanish, so your child will be exposed to a Spanish-speaking environment. Music and reading are part of this enrichment activity. In the Children’s House classroom, the students will expand their knowledge by receiving a weekly vocabulary class in Spanish.
Physical Development
At The Learning Nest, we offer Kidokinetics as our physical development program. It is a unique program that introduces children to sports and physical activities in a fun and non-competitive environment. Classes include activities that develop motor skills, enhance physical fitness, and improve self-confidence. The program integrates the basics of sports, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology in a fun and educational way.
Gardening
Green spaces give children the chance to move and learn in a relaxing and joyful environment. Activities created in outdoor and open air spaces are different from those done indoors because the changing environment stimulates imagination. The seasons, weather, and daily patterns of light and dark affect plants and creatures in many tangible ways. This changing landscape is fascinating for children and a valuable learning experience. Research has shown that children who are able to play and explore gardens and green spaces are better at remaining grounded and in tune with nature as adults. There are many kinds of gardens, large and small, but any open space where plants are grown can encourage an interest in gardening. This could be a little flower or herb in a pot, or a small bed or collection of pots in a small yard. We give the children the opportunity to collaborate however they can to work in the garden. To them, it always feels like a special treat and it teaches them responsibility.
Nutrition
We take nutrition very seriously at our school. We encourage healthy foods and follow a nutritional snack plan because we believe food is an extremely important part of a child’s experience. Sharing a meal with friends supports the child’s development in many positive ways; consider the enhancement of language and the development of mealtime conversation. Furthermore, a younger child’s sense of well-being and independence is stimulated through involvement with food preparation. Serving food onto one’s very own plate is an exciting experience and tasting new foods that have been prepared by friends is always an adventure. Preparing food, setting the table, and cleaning up are all exciting events for our students.
In an effort to curb the effects of allergic reactions, TLN is a nut-free environment.
We offer the option to provide lunch for our students with our caterer, Candela Gourmet (linkable). Every meal is made fresh each morning and delivered to the students in individually-packaged containers.