At Brookline Sprouts, it is important to us that our students are kindergarten ready. We put a strong emphasis on teaching in a variety of ways to ensure that every child succeeds. There are times of structured and unstructured learning with the whole group as well as small groups, all following the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood. Teachers look for every opportunity to guide the children in learning through play as they explore their environment and interact with classmates. Each child’s skill levels are considered and tracked to put all children on a path to success.

Throughout the day at Brookline Sprouts, students will have a variety of engaging and educational activities to choose from, ranging from creative arts and crafts to stimulating science observations and outdoor adventures. These carefully selected activities are thoughtfully woven into a structured daily schedule, which not only fosters a sense of stability and predictability for the children but also nurtures their emotional well-being. This allows them to cultivate a deep sense of calm and safety. This routine and structure containing open-ended times of exploration and learning ultimately paves the way for a better learning experience, leading to improved outcomes for all our young learners.

We encourage the children to develop critical thinking skills, creating a thirst for knowledge and exploration. This foundation for learning will help to set them up for success in kindergarten and beyond. One way this is accomplished is via scientific inquiry. It provides the opportunity for children to develop a range of skills, promoting their engagement and exploration of the world around them. We do this by performing hands-on experiments, multi-day projects, and activities in class such as watching the metamorphosis of live caterpillars turning into butterflies.

We encourage the children to regularly express themselves in a variety of ways.  Arts and crafts are incorporated into daily lessons, and many materials are provided for open-ended creation. We look to the importance of the arts beyond concrete skills such as fine motor and coordination achievements to deeper values. Cultivating their budding imagination paves the way for easier abstract thinking and creative problem solving as they grow, even into adulthood. Being able to describe and understand their thoughts and feelings can also be strengthened through artistic expression. These foundational skills will translate to other areas of their lives both in and out of academic settings.

Preschool aged children need regular, vigorous, active play to develop and grow properly. We provide opportunities for this many times throughout the day via Music and Movement, gym play, and use of our playground. The children also enjoy taking walks on Brookline Blvd, which allows them to explore their local community while being active. They are able to learn and refine skills related to balance, coordination, strength and more during these activities.