Curriculum – Jowonio

We seek to provide a rich and stimulating curriculum that will facilitate curiosity, creativity and excitement in learning, as well as build a foundation for success in school in later years. We want children to learn to respond to classroom peers in helpful ways, to make choices and become independent in their work, and to maintain a strong and positive sense of themselves while adapting to the routines and demands a group setting like school requires. We hope to model non-sexist behaviors and encourage nurturing and active play in both boys and girls. We value the great diversity in our community in terms of cultures and needs and the learning opportunities this brings to us all.

Jowonio uses The Creative Curriculum, a nationally recognized, research-based curriculum as the foundation for our curriculum planning. This curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, physical development, language skills, cognitive skills and approaches to learning, literacy, mathematics, science and technology, social studies, and the arts. In addition, our contract with the Syracuse City School District provides access to the New York State Core Body of Knowledge curriculums for literacy and mathematics skills. While each child progresses at their own pace, children’s development in these areas is routinely monitored, and parents are provided with information about their child’s progress at least twice per year.

Outdoor Exploration and Play

We have a wonderful outdoor space that includes our playground, Trike Town, and a nature trail, Sarah’s Path, with the Play Perch tree house. A fenced in yard in the front of the school creates a safe space for periodic activities such as water play, ball games, and our annual summer carnival. Outdoor play is encouraged year-round, except when rain, bitter cold, or excessive heat prevents it.

Movement Opportunities‎

We have a commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Each day includes free and adult-structured movement inside, in classrooms, the gym, the Secret Garden, and Enchanted Forest as well as outdoors.

Magic Bookshop‎

Connected to the Enchanted Forest is the Magic Bookshop, a children’s library, complete with a wealth of books, as well as cozy spaces in which to curl up and enjoy them. Each classroom has access to the library on a daily basis.

Field Trips

We have two school vans which allow each classroom the opportunity to access enriching spaces in the community on a bi-weekly basis. Field trip destinations are chosen to highlight and expand on classroom themes, as well as to offer opportunities to explore different parks, playgrounds, and spaces of interest. Parents are notified of upcoming trips through the classroom’s weekly schedule/newsletter, and we welcome parents joining us.

Social Skills Curriculum

Jowonio recognizes the importance of pro-active social skills in determining a child’s success in school and in life. We have developed our own curriculum that uses puppets, role play, and songs to directly teach children to recognize and manage emotions, as well as to constructively interact with peers and negotiate and problem-solve when conflicts arise.

CURRICULUM GUIDE

Our curriculum guide is divided into the two main age levels. Please click the buttons to find out more details for each curriculum!

Jowonio School