Our GLOBAL classrooms. The Wilder students each have a "home base" classroom and two teachers to call their own, but they will be encouraged to interact with the children in all three classrooms and to become acquainted with all the teachers. We call this our GLOBAL approach. Our hope is they will interact with as many of the children and staff as possible. This will add to their sense of security.

Learning centers. All three Wilder classrooms have easels, "Playdough" and a variety of writing and drawing tools and supplies. Throughout the year the staff will make small changes in the room by re-arranging or changing the centers and the equipment. This keeps the classrooms interesting for all.

The Wilder library. There is a large selection of books in the Wilder library. The books relate to all of the lesson plans, our themes, holidays and the life experiences of a child. We are constantly adding to the library to remain current and yet always treasure the old "standards" that the children love to hear.

Our long-range curriculum goals.
Physical Development: Small and Large Motor Coordination (physical and mental coordination, eye-hand coordination); Language and Speech (vocabulary, pronunciation, associating sounds with letters);
Intellectual Development: Exploring (the five senses, listening and following directions, math and science concepts); Problem Solving (seek answers by working out problems; ask questions and more questions);
Social Development: Communication (with peers and adults, learning to negotiate, their words become important); Behavior in a Group (work and play group activities, taking turns, sharing, respecting others feelings and boundaries); Responsibility (respect and obey the rules, safety, becoming more independent, self-assured and self-sufficient);
Emotional Development: Self-Control (channel emotions into acceptable outlets); Self-Concept (establishing a positive self-image); Independence (encouraged to make their own decisions and choices); Separating from Parents (learning to form relationships outside of their home environment).

Monthly Themes.
Some months our curriculum is based on a theme chosen by the children and the teachers. Themes may overlap and sometimes we may even celebrate a "theme of the week". Since each theme brings its own vocabulary, songs, stories, "props," games, foods, and hands-on activities, we try to choose a range of themes that will engage the children and become the basis for many questions, projects, and activities. Some of our themes have included:

• By the Sea, By the Sea
• Outer Space & The Planets
• The Wilderness
• Art from the Heart
• Trains & Planes
• Bug Off!
• The Rain Forest
• The RODEO!
• The Five Senses
• Great Authors
• Let Loose With Mother Goose!
• The Hospital and Good Health

Behavior Management.
In order to provide a caring and supportive environment, established rules must be consistently enforced at Wilder School.  There are three non-negotiable rules at Wilder:

• You cannot hurt yourself on purpose.
• You cannot hurt someone else.
• You cannot destroy property.

Corporal punishment or verbal belittling of a child is NEVER used at Wilder School. Children are individuals whom we treat with respect. A child is encouraged by staff members to, "Use your words, not your hands," and is given a chance to think about the consequences of his or her actions. A teacher will help a child find the proper solution to a problem and/or help with the resolution of a disagreement with another child. Our goal is to help children resolve conflicts and identify solutions for themselves.