OUR THREE'S PROGRAM: Stepping Stones

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Our Stepping Stones program provides a warm, nurturing environment where three-year-olds build confidence, develop friendships, and discover the joy of learning through play.

Our play-based curriculum encourages children to explore, create, and problem-solve using open-ended materials such as blocks, paint, playdough, sensory materials, dramatic play, and natural objects. Through hands-on, multi-sensory experiences, children develop a deeper understanding of the world around them while fostering curiosity and creativity.

A strong emphasis is placed on social-emotional development. Through daily circle time, collaborative play, and guided interactions, children learn to share, take turns, express their feelings, solve problems, and build meaningful relationships with their classmates. Our classroom community nurtures growing independence while encouraging cooperation, empathy, and respect for others.

Children also begin developing early academic foundations through engaging, play-based experiences. Throughout the year they explore:

• Name recognition and fine motor skills 
• Letter recognition and letter sounds 
• Colors, shapes, and patterns 
• Counting, sorting, and beginning math concepts 
• Language development and early literacy 

Enrichment opportunities are woven into the curriculum with Music with Mr. Kurt and Yoga with Budding Buddhas, each offered twice monthly, providing joyful opportunities for movement, creativity, and self-expression.

Outdoor learning is an essential part of every day at Weekday Nursery School. Children spend more than 60% of their school day outdoors, where they engage in nature-based exploration, large motor play, gardening, and hands-on discovery. During the spring, classes enjoy regular nature walks to Roosevelt Park, extending their learning beyond the classroom and fostering an appreciation for the natural world.

The Stepping Stones program is available in both half-day and full-day options, allowing families to choose the schedule that best meets their needs while providing children with ample opportunities for exploration, friendship, and joyful learning.

At Weekday Nursery School, we believe that children learn best through meaningful play, caring relationships, and rich experiences—and our Stepping Stones program provides the perfect foundation for a lifelong love of learning..