Early Childhood

“Play-based learning” is a term that you likely heard while investigating preschool options for your child. But what does it really mean? Here is a run-down of this essential approach, what it looks like in practice and how it supports the learning of young children. 

What is play-based learning?

Play-based learning is a child-centered, child-directed approach where teachers act as facilitators in the learning process. Play is the context for learning. This contrasts with academic programs which are more didactic in nature and typically driven by...Read more

Our students, families, faculty and staff love being part of the intimate and tight-knit Rossman community. Part of being a small school means that we are structured with one class per grade level. We believe this comes with many advantages for our children and families. Here are a few that we believe make a big impact in the educational experience of Rossman students:

Close relationships

Over their eight years at Rossman from their first days in JK through sixth grade graduation, students and parents alike form a tight bond amongst each other.  These close...Read more

“Watch children play in natural environments and you’ll see spontaneous expressions of joy and excitement. Observe children running through a pile of leaves with total abandon, dancing and spinning when they feel the wind blowing through their hair and laughing out loud when they see a toad hopping from place to place. You’ll see unbounded exuberance...Read more

Junior Kindergarten naturally incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) throughout the school day. This solid foundation for a Rossman education is built through play and developmentally appropriate learning opportunities. As teachers, we provide the materials and initiate the activities, but it is important to know when to step back and allow a child’s natural curiosity, interest and problem solving skills to take over. Excitement for learning is evident as the...Read more

“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” —Aristotle

What ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle believed in 350 B.C. is precisely what we aspire to impart every day at Rossman School — a balanced education of heart and mind. Academically, students discuss great literature and history, as well as participate in scientific investigation and collaborative group projects, all which offer rich opportunities to integrate lessons of a parallel priority: the development of strong character. As a complementary social component of character...Read more

Junior Kindergarten is where the foundation for all learning at Rossman School begins. We help foster the creation of readers, writers, inventors, scientists, artists, mathematicians, engineers, and more. Creating a reader begins at home by exposing your child to words in print as you snuggle together to enjoy a book. Throughout our school day, we provide as many opportunities as possible to bring good literature to your child.

“In a book, anything can happen!” Just ask anyone in Junior Kindergarten! This is just one of the many things we often talk about as we read...Read more

Rossman’s Junior Kindergarten is proud of its play-based curriculum. Children learn so much from the opportunities presented in a fun, “playful” atmosphere. One activity that the children love is our “Puzzle Palooza.” A puzzle is the only activity each child can choose, and they can work alone, with a partner or in a small group. Many different puzzles are available, from simple wooden and board puzzles to more challenging freeform and one hundred piece puzzles. A child will typically choose a puzzle that appeals to their interest, as well as their ability. Why puzzles? There are so many...Read more

In the art room, children are getting creative, solving problems, and even exercising. This may be a surprise. Although we don’t often break a sweat, each day little hands are building up their fine motor muscles. In addition to all of the great educational benefits of the visual arts, the physical development that takes place in the classroom is also...Read more