Curriculum

Gentle Dragon Preschool's curriculum is based on a routine of playing, exploring materials, making friends and understanding one's place in the community of children, parents and teacher. We follow the Guidelines for Preschool Learning set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Education, which encourage extending learning opportunities into math (measuring, estimating, counting), science (engineering, building, mapping, balance, categorizing), literacy (language development, vocabulary, early writing and reading) and fine and gross motor games.

We are committed to providing a balance between free play and structured activities. As children enter the classroom every morning, they explore everything from play dough and moon sand to books and blocks. They paint, climb and engage in dramatic play. They play games, solve puzzles and engineer train tracks. Every day at Gentle Dragon should feel special and new, yet comfortable and consistent.

Curriculum themes may be focused on the seasons, interests of the children and families or areas that warrant exploration based on the content of the children's play. Holiday activities are addressed as a way for individual children to share family backgrounds with the group — and for the group to show respect for individuals. We explore multi-cultural activities like cooking, songs and literature. We study geography with a map unit, connecting our community learning to field trips like the post office or farm. And our teacher has a special love of literature, often linking art projects to the daily story.