Here at The Day School of Astoria, our free Department of Education program follows The Creative Curriculum.
The Creative Curriculum is a research-based, developmentally appropriate program designed to support the growth of young children across all areas of development—social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. It uses play-based learning to encourage children to explore, ask questions, and make discoveries in ways that are meaningful and fun.
For 4-year-olds, play is a powerful way to learn. At this stage, children are becoming more independent, social, and curious about the world around them. The Creative Curriculum taps into their natural interests by offering engaging, hands-on experiences across a variety of learning centers such as blocks, dramatic play, science, art, math, and literacy.
In these play-based settings, 4-year-olds practice important skills like taking turns, solving problems, recognizing letters and numbers, expressing ideas through drawing and writing, and exploring early science concepts. Teachers help guide their play by asking thoughtful questions, introducing new vocabulary, and encouraging deeper thinking.
Whether they’re creating a story in the dramatic play area, experimenting with water in the sensory table, or building a bridge in the block center, 4-year-olds are building the confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills they’ll need for kindergarten and beyond.
With the Creative Curriculum, learning is active, joyful, and tailored to meet each child’s developmental needs.
