At Mud Pies Preschool we are focused on creating a safe space that allows children the freedom, materials, and support to let their creativity blossom to its full potential. We believe the core of our curriculum should be the child himself. Throughout our day, we prioritize play and exploration in the outdoors. We believe children learn about the world through their senses, and need optimal time outside to develop a strong mind, a strong body, and a strong connection with nature. The teachers at Mud Pies love experiencing the four seasons alongside the children. Rain, wind, sunshine, and the occasional snow are included as part of our daily experience.
These photos and video provide a sample of the spaces:
Daily Activities
Daily activities are based on children’s individual needs and interests. This may include but is not limited to:
- Art (painting, drawing, sculpting, pasting, cutting),
- Blocks, construction, puzzles
- Sensory/science play (play-dough, slime, sand, water),
- Literacy (listening to stories, telling stories, writing),
- Music
- Dramatic/pretend play
- Gross motor play
- Fine motor play
Daily Schedule
7:30 Program opens
8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Free play (indoor/outdoor)
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Free play (indoor/outdoor)
1:00 Nap or quiet activity
3:00 Wake-up/snack
3:30 Free play (indoor/outdoor)
5:30 Program closes
The Rules
For Children:
Run | Jump | Dig | Explore | Talk | Build | Tear Down | Pour | Yell | Saw | Hammer | Paint | Ride | Imagine | Sing | Wonder | Measure | Ponder | Play | Be alone | Examine | Experiment | Express Emotion | Be excited | Work | Lead | Daydream | Follow | Watch | Hear | Smell | Taste | Mix | Create | Daydream
For Adults:
- Observe
- Listen
- Be ready to “step in” with guidance when a child is on the verge of
- Hurting themselves
- Hurting another child
- Destroying property
~Adopted from Bev Bos’s Roseville Community Preschool
A child’s preparation for school success looks nothing like ours. A child’s preparation for life and school comes through boisterous play, spontaneous play, running and rough housing, playing house and playing pirate. Yelling, screaming, and crying are part of it. So is first friend-making (and rejection). Taking risks—creative risks, physical risks, social risks. Dressing up and story telling. Trying out crazy (and messy!) art. Young kids already have a full agenda—play.
~HEATHER SHUMAKER