Children’s HouseSTEPPING STONES & PRIMARY PROGRAMS

Stepping StonesAge 18 months–Age 3

Primary 1Ages 3–4 Primary 2Ages 4–5 Primary 3Ages 5–6

Welcome to the Children’s House at Whitby School, dedicated to supporting young children and their families in becoming lifelong learners.

Under the guidance of expertly trained and caring teachers, children’s innate curiosity and love of inquiry prompts them to explore the developmentally-appropriate classroom environment. Every element is expressly chosen to promote learning and independence.

Children’s House students learn to approach new challenges with confidence. They are empowered as readers, writers, critical thinkers and mathematicians to be creative, well-informed, passionate and joyful learners and citizens of the world.

Respected as individuals, our students think for themselves and are ready to begin their journey of learning and discovery.

Under the guidance of expertly trained and caring teachers, children take the lead in their own learning.

Whitby’s premier early childhood programs uniquely include the following elements, tailored to the developmental needs of the child:

sensory development • language and literacy skills • concepts in math-ematics • physical, life and earth sciences • social studies • Spanish • dance and movement • music • organic nutritious snacks provided

WELCOME

LEARNER PROFILEWhitby students aspire to be: inquirers • knowledgeable thinkers • communicators principled • open-minded caring • risk-takers balanced • reflective

WHITBY’S MISSION

Whitby inspires a passion for learning and empowers each child to take responsibility as an open-minded, principled citizen in a global community.

In the Children’s House, a child’s innate desire to explore the world is nurtured, and a journey of lifelong learning begins.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE PROGRAM OVERVIEW

AGE PROGRAM DAYS & HOURS

Age 18 months–Age 3 Stepping Stones M–F 8:00 am–11:30 am Afternoon Program* M–Th 11:30 am–2:45 pm

Ages 3–4 Primary 1 M–F 8:00 am–11:45 am Afternoon Program* M–Th 11:45 am–2:45 pm

Ages 4–5 Primary 2 M–F 8:00 am–2:45 pm F 8:00 am–11:45 am

Ages 5–6 Primary 3 M–Th 8:00 am–2:45 pm F 8:00 am–11:45 am

*Optional extension. Additional fees apply.

Research confirms that the first years of life are crucial in a child’s brain development. During this time, social and emotional skills are developing, work habits are taking shape, and children have the greatest capacity and appetite for learning.

Whitby’s Stepping Stones program nurtures and guides the young child during this formative period in an environment that fosters learning and cultivates ongoing curiosity about the world in which we live.

Children make independent choices here, building their confidence and self-esteem. They become empowered by taking initiative and ownership of their learning.

At Whitby, children challenge themselves in a safe environment, learn, grow and explore their full potential.

STEPPING STONES

In Whitby’s carefully planned classroom environment, children make independent choices, building confidence and self-esteem.

Stepping StonesAges 18 months–3 years Monday through Friday 8:00 am–11:30 am

Optional Extended Day Monday through Thursday 11:30 am–2:45 pm

COMPLETING A WORK CYCLEChildren begin to develop work habits at this age and learn to complete a “work cycle”: a student will independently choose an activity, complete it and return materials to their proper place. Long periods of uninterrupted work time allow students to focus and engage in meaningful interactions. The feelings of joy that result from completing tasks with minimal help promote a child’s healthy growth of self-esteem and competency.

Teachers guide and follow each child individually, providing support and instruction that is developmentally tailored for each child.

LEARNING IN MULTI-AGED CLASSROOMSEach classroom includes children ages 18 months to 3 years. As they share experiences, Stepping Stones children are inspired by classmates who are older and encourage those who are younger. Their interactions foster positive social skills as they spur each others’ imagination in dramatic play, share new abilities and learn from each other’s efforts.

THE PREPARED ENVIRONMENTYoung children feel at home in the inviting and aesthetically pleasing Stepping Stones classroom. The environment fosters exploration, order, movement and freedom of choice. The size of the furniture, bathrooms and shelving is proportioned to the learners, enabling self-care and the development of independence and confidence.

The classroom is inviting and proportioned to the students, thus enabling children to practice independence and gain confidence.

SENSORY DEVELOPMENT Children naturally learn about, classify and organize their environment through their senses. They are encouraged to explore foods and classroom materials using sight, sound, smell, taste, weight, contour, dimension, shape and texture.

LITERACY Literacy is a social process. Its development is promoted in the context of peer interactions. Children expand their vocabularies, use rhythm, rhyme and repetition with stories and songs, and build expressive language. During reading time, they ask questions, develop listening skills, initiate conversations and engage in reading comprehension activities. Children develop prewriting skills by developing dexterity and hand strength with playdough, clay and writing utensils.

MATHEMATICSStepping Stones introduces five basic math concepts: numerals and operations, geometry, measurement, patterns and relationships, and collecting and organizing information. Children use their senses and classify by color, shape and dimension. They compare and contrast objects, rhythms and music.

SCIENCEThe integral components of our science curriculum are observing, wondering, predict-ing, experimenting, analyzing and concluding. Students use cups, funnels and other ma-terials to learn physical science concepts such as volume, weight, gravity and force. They plant seeds, observe caterpillar metamorphosis and witness animals in natural habitats to develop a deeper understanding of life sciences. Children discuss seasonal changes to promote observation and prediction while learning about the environment.

SOCIAL STUDIESOur curriculum gives children a sense of community outside of home. Children appreci-ate cultural diversity through stories, music, objects, art, language, geography, celebra-tions and foods, starting with acknowledging and respecting the diverse heritage of the children and families in their classroom.

STEPPING STONES PROGRAM CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

THE TEACHER’S SUPPORTING ROLETeachers in the Stepping Stones classroom facilitate, guide and model. They remain present and nurturing, allowing the child to explore and benefit from the classroom environment. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows the teachers to design a curriculum tailored to each child’s level of development and provide individualized guidance.

A BLEND OF MONTESSORI METHOD AND IBWhitby is the birthplace of the American Montessori Society, and Stepping Stones continues to embrace the Montessori method. The power of the Montessori teaching approach has been proven by modern research to enhance skills, interest, persistence, concentration, self-discipline and creativity in learning. We begin to apply principles of the International Baccalaureate by developing the enduring qualities of the Learner Profile.

Optional Extended Day Afternoon Programfor Stepping StonesMonday through Thursday 11:30 am–2:45 pm

The afternoon program provides:

• more time to explore the learning environment as a continuation of the morning curriculum;

• increased opportunities to develop social skills;

• routines of table setting, eating and cleaning up at lunch to encourage independence and a healthy approach to mealtimes (children may bring their own lunches or order from the school’s caterer);

• rest time, if needed;

• indoor and outdoor play areas to meet the child’s need for gross motor development .

At Whitby, children are actively engaged in the learning process, gaining a deep sense of pride and ownership for their accomplishments because their work is always meaningful.

Primary classrooms are guided by highly trained teaching teams who have International Baccalaureate and Montessori training and Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees. Individualized instruction occurs daily, with on-going assessment and portfo-lios documenting each child’s devel-opment and learning.

Classes are balanced by age and gender across three age groups, providing opportunities for children to be role models and to learn from each other.

Primary students enjoy a varied and highly enticing daily program. With the support of caring teachers, they develop into confident and independent learners.

Primary 1Ages 3–4 years Monday through Friday 8:00 am–11:45 amAfternoon Program Extension Available (M–Th)

Primary 2Ages 4–5 years Monday through Thursday 8:00 am–2:45 pmand Friday 8:00 am–11:45 am

Primary 3 (K)Ages 5–6 years Monday through Thursday 8:00 am–2:45 pmand Friday 8:00 am–11:45 am

PRIMARY PROGRAM

Children thrive in Whitby’s respectful community, receive instruction tailored to their own abilities and engage productively with peers as they develop a passion for learning.

EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES

• Learn through inquiry, ask questions, think critically and develop problem-solving skills

• Work individually, with a partner, or in groups

• Develop a sense of international-mindedness, exploring cultural differences and others’ perceptions and perspectives

• Engage in learning activities in the areas of practical life, sensory development, math, language, art, science and social studies

• Develop social skills through collaborative play

• Practice grace and courtesy

LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS• A balance of structure and flexibility that allows for the natural

development of each child’s physical, emotional and cognitive skills

• A beautiful, orderly environment to entice children to explore and to reinforce their innate sense of curiosity

• Outdoor space adjoined to each classroom (Little Yards), allowing for large motor play time and additional natural space for exploration, in addition to a large common playground space

When children are actively engaged in their work, disruptions are rare. At Whitby, children learn to respect the work of others and quietly indicate their need for attention from a teacher.

Perhaps in no other educational setting does the physical environment contribute so meaningfully to daily learning.

LEARNING IN MULTI-AGE CLASSROOMSChildren ages three to six years learn together in one classroom. The age span provides the following advantages:

• Older children model behavior and work for younger children, thus providing a calm and peaceful environment that reflects the IB learner profile from the very beginning of each school year

• Since verbal, reasoning and social skills develop at an individual pace, teachers can create flexible multi-aged learning groups tailored to challenge each child based on their readiness

• Mentoring younger students helps older students develop mastery, empathy and caring

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNINGOne of the hallmarks of Whitby’s education is a fundamental respect for others. This is shown by students and faculty alike with the tone in the classroom, always purposeful and self-disciplined. When children are absorbed in their work, disruptions are rare. The teacher support stu-dents with problem solving, listening, modeling appropriate behavior and responding. At Whitby, children learn to:

• respect the work of others;

• quietly indicate their need for attention from a teacher;

• appreciate the value of others’ contributions in the classrooms;

• become poised and self-aware.From mathematical explorations to discoveries in our organic garden, children experience a stimulating and enjoyable school day.

To best meet the needs of our youngest students, the Primary 1 children re-group with age-like peers in the afternoon. The afternoon program provides:

• lunch with other PR1 students where children practice indepen-dence, grace and courtesy (children may bring their own lunches or order from the school’s caterer);

• transition to same-age peer groups that extend socializing opportunities;

• special activities that include music, art, cooking, Chinese and a weekly visits to the Whitby Library;

• outdoor time (weather permitting) with peers that helps to build caring relationships while encouraging the development of physical skills and refined coordination;

• classroom environments that promotes creative and imaginative play.

Optional Extended Day Afternoon Programfor Primary 1Monday through Thursday 11:45 am–2:45 pm

PRACTICAL LIFEChildren develop independence, a sense of order, concentration and coordination through small and large motor activities, grace and courtesy, and care of the self and the environment. These concepts are explored using spoons, tweezers and tongs, serving friends a snack, helping others, tidying the classroom and arranging flowers.

SENSORY DEVELOPMENTChildren explore using their five senses. They learn to sort, grade and match by size, color and shape. They match and grade pitches and rhythms, taste differences in foods and match and compare scents, temperatures, weights and textures.

MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTSChildren use concrete materials to develop a variety of math concepts such as 1:1 correspondence, quantity and symbol recognition, operations, decimal system, geometry, skip counting, money, time, fractions and measurement. As the concepts are mastered, children are able to work more abstractly and solve more complex equations.

LANGUAGE Children communicate, read and write by developing phonemic awareness, encoding and decoding words and sentences, recognizing sight words, using comprehension skills, making predictions and connections in a story, practicing handwriting skills and present-ing published work. Children choose “just right” books for independent reading.

SCIENCEOur young scientists use inquiry as a base to experiment, predict, compare, graph, survey, tally and chart results in physical, life and earth sciences.

SOCIAL STUDIESChildren discover the larger world through the family traditions and cultures within their classes and extend their awareness to universal social and geographical concepts.

WORLD LANGUAGESChildren explore Spanish and Chinese through oral and written language, as well as mu-sic and art.

PRIMARY PROGRAM CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

SPECIAL EVENTS OF THE PRIMARY EXPERIENCE

ASSEMBLIES & COMMUNITY EVENTS Children present their learning to other Lower School students and participate in special events and experiences that build community.

FIELD TRIPS In-house and local field trips extend the learning in the classroom and support the curriculum.

THANKSGIVING FEAST Primary students learn about meal prepa-ration, grace and courtesy, history and culture in this joyful community event.

PRIMARY SING-ALONG As an extension of vibrant music classes, this annual community event includes parents, who are invited to sing with their children.

WHITBY BUDDIES Primary 3 students work alongside a 6th grade buddy throughout the year. Older Lower School children join our classrooms to read to the younger Primary students.

NIGHTWALK Marking the end of the Primary journey, Primary 3 students go on a nature walk after school and enjoy a communal din-ner and recognition ceremony

CONTINUUM OF LEARNING AT WHITBY

Learning in the Children’s House at Whitby represents the begin-ning of a powerful educational continuum that extends from Stepping Stones to Grade 8. Whitby educates the whole child through inquiry- based learning, individualization of instruction and continual assessment along the way.

The early years blend the Montessori philosophy with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, which culminates in Grade 4 with the Primary Years Program Exhibition project. Grades 5–8 pursue the IB Middle Years Program. Whitby is the only school in the country with that dual accreditation.

The Lower School years primarily feature multi-age groupings in the classrooms, with increasing additional single-grade focus in some subjects. The Upper School switches to a single-grade structure to provide greater depth in key subject areas and to ease the transition to high school.

Whitby’s compelling continuum of education from age 3 to Grade 8 prepares students for their choice of secondary schools.

CONTINUUM OF LEARNING AT WHITBY

Multi-age groupings Single-grade structure

Educating the Whole Child

Individualization of Instruction

Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

IB Learner Profile inquirers • knowledgeable • thinkers • communicators • principled • open minded • caring • risk takers • balanced •reflective

Stepping Stones 18 months to age 3

Primary 1, 2, 3 Pre-K to K

Lower Elementary (LE) Grades 1-2

Middle Elementary (ME) Grades 3-4

Grades 5–8

Montessori & IB PYP IB MYP

Children’s House Lower School Upper School

With the IB program providing the underlying structure of themes and concepts, Whitby’s faculty works together to map curriculum from Stepping Stones through 8th Grade. Whitby’s curriculum ensures proper competencies are met and sequencing and transitions are smooth from grade to grade.

Graduates of Grade 8 are fully prepared for secondary school and life beyond Whitby. They possess not only the skills and competencies they need, but also have developed qualities of the IB learner profile that will ultimately make the difference for success in the 21st century.

969 Lake Ave, Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203 869 8464 | www.whitbyschool.org/CH

WHITBY SCHOOL AT A GLANCE• Founded in 1958

• 440 students from 18 months to Grade 8

• Diverse student body with 40 countries represented

• Recognized for our proven, exemplary academic program and highly trained, experienced staff

• Achieved high commendations in 2014 from the International Baccalaureate Organization

• Over 90% of Whitby graduates accepted at their first choice of high school

• State-of-the-art design tech and science labs

• Spanish taught beginning at 18 months

• Low student-faculty ratio

• Modern facilities on a beautiful 25-acre wooded campus

• Triple accredited: IB, AMS (early years), CAIS

Upper School Grades 5–8

Lower School Grades 1–4

Children’s House 18 Months–6 yrs