Philosophy
Philosophy
SMPNS is a cooperative nursery school that has developed its curriculum specifically around a ’learning through play’ philosophy. Children are respected for themselves and are free to make choices within the program. The school provides opportunities for safe, interesting and challenging play with other children. Through such play, in surroundings arranged for their best interests, young children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. The nursery school ensures warmth and security while giving children stimulating new experiences and provides a comfortable bridge from home to the larger world outside.
Our nursery school fosters the growth and learning of children and parents. Individuals have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of themselves and others. Within the nursery school, the adults are responsible for maintaining an orderly and safe environment. Supervision in the nursery school is related to learning. Limits are set in a gentle but firm way, so children may grow and develop inner control. Our school was developed so that parents could share in the child’s first steps outside their home. As children grow in independence and gain knowledge of themselves and others in the world about them, the parents and staff are there to help. As parents observe and work with the children, they find their own understanding and knowledge of young children increases. Consequently, their effectiveness as parents increases.
Dr. Lilian Katz
Did you know that our preschool was the starting point for one of Early Childhood Education’s international legends, Dr. Lillian Katz?
Lillian’s two children attended SMPNS in the late 50s, and she was the school president at the time that our current school building was constructed and opened! Lillian Katz received her B.A. from SF State, and went on to complete a Ph.D. in ECE from Stanford in 1968. She was a contributing author and editor of Parents Magazine for 13 years, has published 2 books about teaching and project-based learning, and has lectured and taught all over the world! She is currently a Professor Emerita at University of Illinois.
Dr. Katz continues to advocate for the type of preschool curriculum that we are fortunate to have for our own kids here at SMPNS! Her extensive research over the past 50 years supports the value of providing young children with an informal learning environment, which results in spontaneous play. The importance of building community and a feeling of belonging is also key to the healthy development of preschool-age kids. The freedom to have extended conversations with teachers and peers, allows students to have a deeper understanding of their own experience, which fosters development of each child’s personal confidence as a life-long learner.
Dr. Katz is a SMPNS mom that went on to share her knowledge of best practices for teaching happy preschoolers with the rest of the world!
(SMPNS Newsletter contribution, February 2016)
