Nursery classroom experiences provide students with a sense of comfort and competence. Teachers visit students at their homes before school begins. Children then phase into school gradually, attending in small groups and on a limited schedule initially. This process allows students to feel more secure about separating from familiar adults so they can do so successfully. Teachers create predictable classroom routines and schedules and can move easily through the daily schedule. 

Distinct learning areas set up in the classroom allow children to see the choices available to them. The arrangement and storage of classroom materials help students choose activities throughout the day. Teachers work with students to develop the skills they need to be more independent in the comfort of a school setting. Simple skills, such as putting on their coats, washing hands, pouring juice, and throwing away trash, enable children to take increased responsibility for themselves.

Nursery classroom experiences provide students with a sense of comfort and competence. Teachers visit students at their homes before school begins. Children then phase into school gradually, attending in small groups and on a limited schedule initially. This process allows students to feel more secure about separating from familiar adults so they can do so successfully. Teachers create predictable classroom routines and schedules and can move easily through the daily schedule. Distinct learning areas set up in the classroom allow children to see the choices available to them. The arrangement and storage of classroom materials encourage students to choose activities throughout the day. Teachers work with students to develop the skills they need to be more independent in the comfort of a school setting. Simple skills, such as putting on their coats, washing hands, pouring juice, and throwing away trash, enable children to take increased responsibility for themselves.

The structure of the Pre-Kindergarten day offers students gentle guidance in developing their relationships with others. Children develop self-confidence and independence as they separate from their caregivers. Each morning, students initiate social play through learning and work centers where children select what and with whom they will play. Their interactions with adults and peers grow positively as they learn to modulate their words to communicate wants, needs, or ideas. During the year, children learn to recognize themselves as part of a group. Pre-Kindergarteners follow well-established class routines and learn the boundaries of classroom life. They internalize school rules, learn to play safely, share, compromise with others, develop leadership skills, and enjoy independence within a supportive classroom and school environment.

Kindergarten students begin the year familiarizing themselves with each other, their new classroom, and their many new teachers by participating in cooperative activities. As the year progresses students focus on creating a classroom community where the members support each other through encouraging words and negotiate conflicts peaceably. Modeling and role-playing activities aid in the development of a classroom conscience. Children learn to demonstrate confidence, value friendship, work cooperatively in small groups, develop leadership skills, and enjoy independence with the support of the classroom and school environment.