Learning Goals for Two's:

Twos classes strive to provide a gentle and
nurturing environment for young children
entering preschool. Teachers provide support as children learn to separate from parents and take part in classroom activities. Focus is on the development of language and self expression. Teachers facilitate play and social interaction while introducing basic cognitive elements—shapes, colors, counting and the like. Twos class schedules include free play time where children explore and play in their classroom, a short circle time that includes stories and songs, snack time and playground time.

Social/Emotional:

In support of social/emotional growth the Two's curriculum includes activities that facilitate their transition from home to the school setting and support their participation in the classroom.

Independence:

• Teachers provide a nurturing classroom where Twos can feel comfortable exploring and playing.
• Consistency and routine help children trust in their teachers and their school environment.
• Teachers use songs and other cues to help children follow simple directions such as cleaning up, washing hands and transitioning to a new activity.

Peer Interactions:

• Classroom centers provide an opportunity for small group play. Centers include dramatic play, blocks, art, sensory tables, table top toys and books.
• Teachers facilitate parallel play between children. They model imaginative play and conversation to enhance Twos language development.

Cognitive:

In support of cognitive learning Twos curriculum focuses on the development and use of language skills. Pre math and science elements are introduced through specific learning toys, puzzles and exploration of nature and the classroom environment.

Language/Literacy:

• Teachers facilitate language development through the use of (verbal) labeling, descriptive language and conversation.
• Songs, stories and finger plays help to engage children, aid in transitions and develop language.

Early Mathematical thinking:

• Children are introduced to counting, shapes and colors during play.
• Early matching and sorting activities are available.
• Self-correcting toys like stacking rings, boxes and blocks introduce the concept of placing items in a series.
• Puzzles are available in each classroom.

Science:

• Twos investigate the physical properties of many different materials. Play dough, finger paint and sensory tables provide children with opportunities to explore and teachers with opportunities to enrich children's exploration with descriptive language—wet, cold, sticky, rough, etc.
• Children use their five senses as an integral part of scientific investigation and discovery.
• Themes connect seasonal activities and occurrences (apple picking in fall, snow in winter or flower planting in spring) to what children see in their environment and experience in their classroom.
• Twos investigate nature during walks outdoors and during visits to their classroom's science table.

Creative:

In support of creative development the two's curriculum places emphasis on art activities, music/movement activities and imaginative/dramatic play.

Art:

• Twos enjoy easel painting with a variety of tools—brushes, sponges, feathers, rollers, etc.
• Crayons and markers are available for coloring
• Children experiment with a variety of art materials—finger paint, play dough, collage, etc. Teachers place emphasis on the process of exploration rather than the look of a finished art project.

Music and Movement:

• Instruments, scarves and dramatic play props are used for structured and unstructured music activities.
• Circle times incorporate songs and movement.
• A music and movement specialist leads the children in music, dance and storytelling including the use of instruments, puppets and musical props.

Physical Development:

In support of physical development the two's curriculum includes activities to support the development of coordination, balance and strength that is needed for both gross motor and fine motor skills.

Gross Motor Development:

• Daily playground activity facilitates development of large muscle groups. Walking, running, climbing and jumping develop strength, coordination and spatial awareness.
• Teachers direct movement activities designed to target the development of specific muscle groups. Parachutes, mats, balls, steps and balance beams are used.

Fine Motor Development:

• Small muscle control is developed through use of manipulatives including peg boards, Duplos, play dough tools and table top blocks
• Art materials including, crayons, chalk, markers, and paints are available.