4 & 5 Day Program

(for children age 4 by September 1)

Children turning 4 years of age by September 1 may choose to attend 5 mornings or 4 afternoons per week

Mornings: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 11:45am

Afternoons: Monday - Thursday 1:00pm - 4:00pm

Children who are turning 4 years of age by September 1 may choose to attend 5 mornings or 4 afternoons per week. The Program provides children with the next natural step towards independence and learning. It is designed to reflect the growing capabilities of children and while there are similarities to our 2 and 3 Day Program, there are some significant differences. Both new-to-Berrybrook families and returning families will find that the 4 and 5 Day Program is filled with many Berrybrook traditions, ample time for exploration, and problem solving with friends, and opportunities for children to discover and learn as they enter this exciting age of growing independence. To help all children experience positive and enjoyable first days at school, we have a tradition of shortened days at the beginning of the school year. There are lots of new things to experience, including meeting teachers, new friends, and learning classroom routines and our shortened class sessions ease the transition.

Home visits are a Berrybrook tradition, and they have proven to be a very important way to help with the home-school transition. Each child has a short 15-20 minute visit at their home with one of their teachers during the first weeks of school. This visit allows a little one-on-one time in a familiar setting. Having a bit of familiarity outside of school often helps with separation.

Berrybrook traditions remain an important part of the curriculum during the year. Children make jelly, tap maple trees, while expanding on their understanding and learning about such traditions. New traditions such as our Plimoth Patuxet Museum field trip are introduced, as well as new and challenging projects and areas of study. When planning curriculum, teachers adhere to standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children as well as the Massachusetts Department of Education Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences. The guidelines cover learning in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering, History and Social Science, Health Education, and the Arts. Children learn through play and meaningful activities presented in a developmental sequence.

As in the 2 and 3 Day classes, the daily routine continues to include many chances to explore during independent choice time. However, these activities are adjusted to meet the needs of four and five year old children as they continue to become more independent and curious in their learning. Children choose their own “work” during Independent Choice Time, which comprises the majority of their school day. There is much to do at Berrybrook and a variety of choices are provided such as Legos, puzzles, block building, manipulatives, dramatic play, paints, playdough, etc. A classroom library includes selections relating to current curriculum as well as a listening center. Children continue to mature in their problem solving skills with others as discoveries are made within small groups and one-on-one friendships. Children practice skills such as writing, tracing, cutting, gluing, counting, and painting as they complete at least one project each day. Projects are more challenging in the 4 and 5 Day classes, and some take place over a period of days so that each step extends the learning that took place the previous day.

Snack Time in the older classes provides the opportunity for social interaction and to practice table manners similar to home. A table for four to six children becomes the Snack Table and children are invited by a teacher to join when they are hungry. This helps children understand the important life skill of regulating one’s own hunger and fosters independence as children remember the steps involved at Snack Time. There are many occasions when children will have a group snack such as birthdays, cooking projects, and special celebrations.

Teachers and children gather early in their session for circle time to share information and discuss classroom issues. Often a teacher will present an activity related to what the group is currently studying. Circle time also includes familiar and new games, music, and movement. The daily circle time helps children become part of a connected and caring community, where they learn to listen to others and share their own ideas.

All children celebrate a “Berrybrook Birthday.” Teachers arrange a date with parents to join the class for the celebration. In addition to choosing a birthday snack provided by Berrybrook and creating a birthday crown, 4 and 5 Day students celebrating their birthday participate in a special “Birthday Walk” during circle time.

Children gather as a group again before going outside, to listen to a book that further extends our learning about a topic or tradition, provides humor, or inspires our curiosity and sense of discovery. Children play outside every day that it is not raining or freezing. At the end of our day, children gather with their class as parents arrive. Parents and others authorized to pick up children are asked to come to the classroom to sign out and collect belongings.

A Parent Open House is scheduled early in the school year to answer any questions parents may have. Communication continues throughout the year in parent conferences, a monthly newsletter, email and social media. In addition, Teachers and Administrators are happy to arrange a meeting with parents at their request. Berrybrook School values and works toward strong, reciprocal communication.