Students in our 2s classes are offered a rich and engaging educational program from day one. We pride ourselves on our personalized education which ensures that each child's individual learning style is appreicated.
Play-based but planned
Although we offer a play-based program, there is a difference between play which is done at school and that which is done at home. Primarily, students attending our full-time, five days a week program, have access to a carefully planned timetable which seeks to develop the whole child – from communication skills to expressive arts and, increasingly important at this age, social skills. From the children’s perspective, they are just playing, but from the teachers’ perspective, they are building their literacy skills, working on simple math concepts and learning to be a kind and considerate classmate. Children who are with us each and every day benefit from this carefully considered planning. Teachers also use the time in the afternoon to fill in gaps in learning and to build on previous learning. In the afternoons, many of the activities complement what was already done in the morning, which serves as an opportunity to cement and further build on previous learning. These activities include, but are not limited to, stories, songs, the Spanish language, dance, math and phonics.
Nutritious food and social experiences
Aside from the learning, children in our full-time program have access to a nutritious menu, cooked on-site each day by our team of chefs. Students are given help to eat independently in a group situation in their classroom so that they are ready for the following year in Nursery, where they will eat with limited support in the busy school cafeteria.
Transitioning to Nursery at 3 years old
All children are encouraged to rest after lunch, but activities are ready for them once they are ready to play. Throughout the course of the year, students are slowly transitioned to a 2pm wake-up so that they are ready for Nursery after the summer. Since all Nursery students are expected to be full time at the beginning of the year, our full time 2s program offers a gentle introduction to the schedule of Nursery.
Extended care for working parents
We also offer a rich and engaging after school program to all students who are full time at NAISNY. Each day, there are different activities and games as well as songs, dancing and crafts. Children also have full use of the large playroom during this time so they can use up any remaining energy!
