WHO WE ARE / STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Children are naturally curious about the world and how things work. Chickpeas' curriculum reflects important aspects of the Bank Street philosophy, which maintains that children can satisfy their curiosity and develop their potential through play in an unhurried, supportive setting. The children create secure, trusting relationships with peers and teachers, and have formative experiences away from home that are positive and enriching.

At Chickpeas, blocks form one of the primary sources of activity. They allow the children to work independently or to join together in groups to create projects that require planning and cooperation. This is just one way that children learn to master their world, build skills, make friends, express emotions, handle frustrations, and take turns leading, following, and sharing ideas. Painting, drawing, collage, clay, dramatic play/dress-up, water table activities, and reading, creating and listening to stories are all a regular part of the day. In addition, music and movement sessions take place weekly. Since the children are part of one group, the younger children learn from the older ones, while older children have the opportunity to mentor, thus reinforcing recently acquired skills.

Books are an essential part of our curriculum. Children build their appreciation for good literature while developing their early language and literacy skills. They also use books to explore topics of special interest and widen their understanding. The Chickpeas library (which doubles as a lending library to families) includes numerous books created by Chickpeas children over the years.

During the year we explore some subjects in an in-depth manner. Topics covered grow out of the children's interests and experiences both inside and outside of school. Our flexible approach to curriculum allows for the integration of the children's passions and needs with the strengths and interests of the teachers. Both reality-based exploration and fantasy play find a place within the Chickpeas day.

Our emphasis on simple and open-ended materials helps engage children in their limitless possibilities. In addition to the extensive use of blocks, in recent years groups have created their own dollhouses out of found materials, and some classes have invented board games based on areas of special interest. A focus on recycling has permeated a range of endeavors. Other activities that have formed an integral part of the children's experiences at Chickpeas include puppetry, mask making, and papier-mâché work. Most painting projects involve the use of primary color paints, from which children learn to mix colors. Art activities feature a range of found objects that work their way into collages, sculptures and other creations.
 
Trips are another important aspect of our curriculum. We go on seasonal excursions to Prospect Park, as well as visits to neighborhood establishments, including the firehouse and other places that provide "hands-on" opportunities. The trips are planned to widen the scope of the children's interests. We may also attend special performances, such as at Puppetworks.

Outdoor activity takes place every day, except in inclement weather.

The teachers keep the families informed of their children's progress through daily contact and semiannual conferences.

Parents fulfill the administrative positions and may volunteer as afterschool assistants and on special projects in the classroom. Attendance at monthly Co-op meetings and participation in the administrative process create a supportive and rewarding network for parents as well.