Sense of Self

In our classrooms, teachers observe the child’s interests and sensory-seeking goals and then offer learning centers for specific objectives that appeal to each child.  This ensures that each learning objective is explored and learned using a variety of tactics that will appeal to many different learning preferences and styles. We do not use one tool to help learn an objective- instead, we use multiple tactics and centers to provide students with the best experience for learning.

These self-directed centers use everyday materials (tweezers, rolling pins, dust pans, cups, and saucers) to practice life skills. We use a variety of activities to practice phonics and mathematical concepts. 

Our students develop their sense of self and learning styles. Through their work, they are learning self-discipline, confidence, and independence. Naturally developing their sense of self leads to a lifetime love of learning.

Sense of Community

In addition to self-directed center work, students will participate in large and small group instruction. These experiences build community and support children in socializing and working toward common community goals.  Children also practice expanding their ability to listen for directions, practice patience, and ask for clarification.  

Learning to be part of a community challenges many children as they move from the satisfaction of playing by themselves and following their own needs toward seeking the interaction of peers and considering the group needs.  This transition from self to the community can develop into big emotions and subsequent behaviors.  To support children through these emotional upsets, teachers use a variety of somatic practices such as breath work, body scans, and mindfulness practices to help children return to a regulated state.  

This work is done daily to build healthy habits and as these habits form, the more naturally they begin to use these practices to support their own preparation for transitions, conflict resolution, and cooperative play.  Once regulated, the teachers support children in identifying their needs in the moment that triggered the upset, and then they work together to understand what choices were appropriate (or would have been more appropriate).  During these conversations children also repair any harm to the class community.

Sense of Space

Students take full advantage of our outdoor spaces to connect and ground with the earth and nature.  The SOCDS grounds include three gardening areas and the biggest playground in the area on an acre and a half of land.  We enjoy this space three times a day for a minimum of 30 minutes. Our gardening program involves preparing the soil, planting, composting, raking, and caring for the plants.  These early experiences instill the awe of nature that stays with children throughout their lifetime.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about SOCDS! If you have any questions, please email Ms. Annemarie at learn@socds.com.