3-Year-Old Classes

The "thunderous threes" are a wonderful time in a child's life as they learn about themselves and the world around them. Here are some of the things you can expect in class when your child moves into one of our three-year-old classes next fall.

1. Free Play: During this part of the day, which occurs first thing in the morning in both classes, children are free to choose what they would like to do in the classroom. Choices are many and varied and include creative projects, imaginary play, dress up, block building, manipulative toys, puzzles, listening to stories, fine motor activities, sensory table, easel painting and small group or individual games and activities that provide early math and literacy practice. During free play, children are guided to interact with their peers in positive ways and solve conflicts that arise with the support and encouragement from the adults in the room. Click here for an example of the themes covered in our three-year-old classes.

2. Circle Time: Each classroom has two brief circle times per day during which children learn to sit together, listen and participate appropriately in a variety of activities including finger plays, felt board activities, group games, music and movement.

3. Snack Time: During snack time, children are encouraged to use polite manners, have a conversation with the other children and adults, clear their own dishes and, over time, to serve themselves and pour their own water.

4. Activity Room: Mrs. Craig’s class uses the Activity Room; Mrs. Conklin’s class does not. In the Activity Room, half of the class spends 10-15 minutes using the equipment and tricycles available while the other half works on a creative project with Mrs. Craig upstairs. Then the groups switch places. Instead of using the Activity Room, Mrs. Conklin’s class has a slightly longer free play period during which a creative project is offered and children can participate a few at a time.

5. Playground Time: During this favorite time of day, children get a good opportunity to move their bodies by running, climbing, pedaling, sliding and swinging. Children are also encouraged to do as much of the “prep” for playground time as possible by themselves, which includes putting on coats, hats, mittens, etc. by themselves in the winter.

6. Story Time: Both classes end the day with a story read by the teacher. During this time, children learn to sit and listen quietly to the story and often participate in answering comprehension questions afterwards.

7. Sharing Time: At sharing time, the co-oper’s child has the opportunity to bring something from home to share in front of the group. The sharer practices speaking to the group and the other children practice raising their hands to ask questions or make comments.

Learn more about what three-year-olds are learning to do at this age and stage.

To be eligible for enrollment in our three-year-old classes, children must be three years old by September 30th of the current school year. It is strongly encouraged that all students in these classes be completely potty-trained.