A Typical Explorers Day
"A rhythmic progression of short lessons"
TWS days
are filled with activities, and the time from 8:15 assembly until 12:30
dismissal passes quickly. Our students
not only experience the disciplines of recitation, penmanship, mathematics, and
phonemic awareness, but also benefit from the discovery tools of nature study,
composer study, picture study, and living books study. A typical Explorers day includes a rhythmic
progression of short lessons. Whether working on a puzzle, imitating with
egg-tempura the work of the artist Giotto, singing the hymn of the month,
collecting specimens as part of a nature walk, or sharing a favorite instrument
as part of show and tell, the Explorers have many opportunities to express
themselves, to practice their diction and enunciation, and to revel in the joy
of discovery.
Short days
Because
we know that little ones need lots of time for play and creativity, we
purposely offer short days with limited hours. Explorers One students meet on Monday
through Thursday mornings; Explorers Two students meet five mornings a week. We
have found that Explorers more than cover their challenging lessons in
their shorter days while still enjoying opportunities to play, dream,
and have family time. This balance of rigorous learning with renewal
and refreshment is a hallmark of the unique pre-first grade education
we offer at The Wilberforce School.
In addition, for both E1 and E2, Mondays are
an optional review day; some parents choose to keep their child home to allow
these students more unstructured play time during these younger years. Our schools—along with other schools with our
academic model--have found that Explorers more than cover their rigorous
lessons in these shorter days, and still have plenty of opportunity to play,
dream, and enjoy extended time with their families. This balance of rigorous
learning and plenty of time for renewal and refreshment is a hallmark of unique
pre-first grade education that we offer at The Wilberforce School.
Explorers Bridge
From 12:30-3:05pm, TWS offers afternoon care for Explorers students. For more information, please see the page on the Explorers Bridge Program.