Enrichment
Children at NSNS experience a variety of quality enrichment activities that enhance their learning, deepen their understanding and provide new avenues for self-expression.
Music
At NSNS music is a natural and joyful part of our everyday lives in the classroom. We sing at circle time and encourage music appreciation by playing recorded music from a variety of genres and cultures during free choice time. Simple instruments are also available to the children, who create their own music and incorporate it into their play. Because music is such a valuable experience socially, creatively and intellectually, each group has regularly scheduled sessions with a music specialist. These teachers sing songs, play instruments and pair music with movement or visual aide to stimulate children’s senses. Our children hear and sing the songs, move to the beat and see, touch, and experiment with instruments. Through these experiences they are exposed to basic elements of music including pitch, rhythm, tempo and dynamics while having fun and learning in a group setting.
Spanish
Our Spanish program provides Younger and Older Class students with a regularly scheduled, positive and fun first exposure to Spanish language and culture. Our Spanish teacher capitalizes on young children’s innate interest in language at a time when their ability to acquire new language is very strong. Through music, movement, games and hands-on activities, she inspires children to communicate using new vocabulary and to appreciate another culture.
Movement
Movement in our Big Room is an important part of our enrichment program for the Older and Younger classes. Each week our Movement Teacher facilitates activities that hone children’s gross motor skills through exercise, dance and noncompetitive games. These experiences foster children’s imagination, creativity and cooperative play skills. They have fun while building strength, coordination and balance and it’s exciting to see their self-confidence blossom.
Special Guests and Performances
NSNS children enjoy many special enrichment events throughout the year. These events change to reflect the interests of our current community. Guests have included storytellers, puppeteers, experts on a variety of cultures, artists, dancers, musicians and more! Parents and grandparents are also welcome to share their interests with the children. Families have offered their expertise on topics ranging from cider pressing to decoy carving to clowning. We are fortunate to have gifted artists as well as members of our community join us each year and look forward to continued enrichment that inspires and entertains the children.