Our Philosophy

Young children are continually doing the very important work of forming an understanding of the world in which they live. This task is best done through pursuits that the child himself is naturally drawn to: physical activity, imaginative play, and imitation.

The heady sensation of running through wet grass, the wonder in watching flour and water become bread, the care taken in stacking blocks, the magic of preparing a “soup” of rocks and grass: all of these experiences are undertaken with intention and love by the child, and all provide information about how the world works, and how he himself fits into it.

Because they do not have the ability to filter out inappropriate stimuli, it is essential to provide young children with an environment that will support and deepen their experiences. At Morning Glory Preschool, we strive to choose materials and activities carefully, and to provide models of behavior that are worthy of imitation.

Children are given ownership of their classroom and of their own experiences, creating a sense of competence in the child. Children are engaged in meaningful tasks such as preparing food, gardening, setting the table, washing the windows, and sweeping the floor.

We use photography and gather examples of the children's work (drawings, items found in nature, sculptures) to create books, posters, and displays which document the children’s experiences.

A sense of connection to all of creation is fostered as the child encounters the wonders of nature, and learns to respect and care for our animal friends and for the earth. The rhythms of nature are honored through attention to the changes of the seasons, and are celebrated through song, story, cooking, crafts, and festivals.

All of these considerations are essential elements to an approach which allows the child to grow with a joyful and open spirit. The child who is given the space to experience the world on her own terms, and who is supported as she expresses herself in the “10,000 languages” of children, is a child who will be ready for academic activities when the proper time comes.