Welcome

May 2013 Newsletter

The waiting list for Fall 2014 begins on May 1, 2013 at 8 a.m. sharp for “new to Brush Creek families”. The last few years the volume of calls has been pretty high, so it’s important to get on the list as soon as possible to ensure you get more class choices. Please tell
your friends.

Summer school enrollment is ongoing. Been meaning to sign up but haven’t yet? You’re not too late. Come see us in the office.

Dates to remember:
We are closed on May 27th for Memorial Day.

Evening in Paradise fundraiser, May 18 2013

Brush Creek Basics

Brush Creek Nursery School's program is based on a child's need for both order and freedom of expression. We try to help each child discover inner strengths as he or she develops confidence in solving problems independently of adults.

Brush Creek's prepares children not just for kindergarten, but for life in a world that needs caring, resourceful people. There is an emphasis on being part of a larger group and being sensitive to the needs of others. We encourage children to know and express their feelings in ways that get positive responses from others.

Our preschool is designed to provide an environment where the children can learn by doing. We strive to provide a large variety of situations in which children can experiment, gain confidence and learn.

The Argument toward more Nature Play

We live in the age of technology, where innovations to make things smaller, faster and more time saving are lauded.  We have not just computers, but cell phones, ipods, ipads, and dvrs. We communicate by text, and email without ever actually speaking. We are losing the balance between real and virtual experiences in our lives.

Many educators have concerns about a parent’s challenge of exposing their children to current technology and allowing plenty of time for good old fashioned outdoor play. I once attended a workshop on children and nature and the workshop leader asked each of us to draw a picture of a favorite childhood memory.  After a few minutes she revealed that over 80% of us would have drawn something to do with nature (a trip to the park, playing in the sprinkler with friends, etc). I was stunned.  I think current children would draw a very different picture.

At Brush Creek we have worked hard to make sure we provide myriad of experiences utilizing the beautiful property we are on. Children need nature. It counts. They need to turn over rocks and find bugs. They need to challenge their bodies and climb trees and cross creeks. They need to smell and feel wet grass, crunching leaves, and moist sand. “As children grow and develop they need to successfully master physical challenges in order to gain self-confidence and a sense of control over their environments.  Learning how to maneuver their bodies in a variety of settings helps children gain skills that keep them safer.” — Learning with Nature Idea Book

One resource that has been very inspiring to me is “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv. I can really recommend this thought provoking book. It speaks to the importance of providing children with significant outdoor playtime, throughout their formative years. Come and see us at Brush Creek and check out the outdoor play spaces where we’ve given attention to textural differences, gross motor opportunities and challenges.  We really believe kids at this young preschool age need to explore both indoors and outdoors, discover things on their own through trial and error and use their senses in a whole and natural experience. We hope you agree.