ENRICHMENT
Children’s Chapel
The Children’s Chapel, consecrated on September 14, 2013, was built for worship by the youngest children in the St. Matthew’s parish. Every child in the church school contributed a stone that is incorporated into the stonework.
Thursday mornings at St. Matthew’s Preschool, you’ll find our two, three and Pre-K students making their way to to our beautiful Children's Chapel with Father John Zahl. They enjoy15-20 minutes of story, song and sharing that puts their lives within the greater context of Jesus' love for them and for all creation. The gathering is welcoming of all faith traditions and holds as its simple premise the belief that Jesus loves us, every one.
MUSIC CLASS
Music is an important and integral part of Early Childhood learning. All of our teachers sing songs, teach finger-plays and help the children explore a variety of musical instruments. In addition, Liz Byrne will bring her expertise and will be working with each class for 3o minutes once a week.
WESTMORELAND VISITORS
SMP is very lucky to have Westmoreland Sanctuary as a partner in nature exploration and learning.
Once a month a Naturalist visit s each class for 30-40 minutes. When the weather is nice, they take the children outside to look for signs of critters and changing seasons. Learning to be quiet observers, they spy bird’s nests both inhabited and abandoned, turn over rocks to see insects, listen to bird calls, and always keep their eyes out for signs and tracks. On inclement days, they arrive with critters, animal skins and stories to tell.
YOGA
A certified Yoga teacher and longstanding member of the SMP faculty, Stephanie Goodkind keeps our little ones on their toes and in a pose! With a few props and a repertoire of terrific songs she teaches the children simple poses and keeps them moving and transforming. Working on their gross motor skills, core strength, flexibility and imagination, our little yogis giggle away as they tip over and strive for balance. Namaste!