Laying the Foundation
The Early Childhood Program at The Tatnall School balances character development with active exploration to encourage independent, successful learners for the future.
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In the PK3 program, learning is promoted through guided exploration, observation, and discovery.
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The PK4 curriculum incorporates both structured and discovery-based learning experiences, adapted to each child's needs. Children are introduced to key academic concepts and skill development in the areas of language arts, math, science, and global studies.
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Our dynamic Kindergarten curriculum provides opportunities for cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. The goal is to create a love of learning and prepare students for the next step in Lower School.
Early Childhood Highlights:
- Outdoor classroom
- A Global Studies curriculum that includes antibias education, peace initiatives, and community service.
- Visual and performing arts, including: Art shows, the Kindergarten play, karate, yoga, and a running program.
Tatnall’s Early Childhood Approach
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Developmentally appropriate curriculum in language arts, math, science, and global studies
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Learning balances structured instruction with exploration and discovery
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Small and whole-group instruction to enrich and support every child
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Responsive classroom approach at all grade levels
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Emotional intelligence curriculum and public speaking practice
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Outdoor learning and play every day
A Day in Early Childhood at Tatnall
7:30–8:00 a.m. Morning Extended Care
8:00–8:15 a.m. Arrival
8:20–8:30 a.m. Opening Exercises
12:30 p.m. Half-day Dismissal
2:45 p.m. Full-day Dismissal
3:00–6:00 p.m. Afternoon Extended Day
Values & Traditions
Developing a sense of community and authentic relationships is a focal point of the Early Childhood program. From a very young age, our students learn the importance of character development, emotional intelligence, and community service.
Star Values
The Star Values program is a character-building curriculum that supports children as they develop into kind and caring citizens and individuals. These values are incorporated into the Early Childhood curriculum through literacy, writing, and active projects and collections throughout the year.
Opening Exercises
Opening Exercises is a daily gathering opportunity that builds a strong sense of community between students, faculty, and families. The exercises are led by the Head of Early Childhood, however, our Kindergarten students lead the Children's Poem as a part of the foundational skills of public speaking.
Traditional Events
The Early Childhood program has many traditions that involve family throughout the school year, such as Family Bagel Breakfast, performances which include Founder's Day, the Holiday Concert, and May Day. The year concludes with a Family Fun Run and all are invited to participate!
Star Values
The Star Values program is a character-building curriculum that supports children as they develop into kind and caring citizens and individuals. These values are incorporated into the Early Childhood curriculum through literacy, writing, and active projects and collections throughout the year.
Opening Exercises
Opening Exercises is a daily gathering opportunity that builds a strong sense of community between students, faculty, and families. The exercises are led by the Head of Early Childhood, however, our Kindergarten students lead the Children's Poem as a part of the foundational skills of public speaking.
Traditional Events
The Early Childhood program has many traditions that involve family throughout the school year, such as Family Bagel Breakfast, performances which include Founder's Day, the Holiday Concert, and May Day. The year concludes with a Family Fun Run and all are invited to participate!
The Tatnall School
The Tatnall School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in PK3 through Grade 12 located in Wilmington, Delaware.