New England Country Day School


Twos Program

For many of us, Two is perhaps the best age of all. Life appears good to the two-year-old as the world begins to unfold in front of his eyes! Emotionally, a two-year-old seems to be quite stable. He's more comfortable with himself as verbal communication is a bit easier and he is now able to verbally express his needs. A Two loves life and may demonstrate such with warm affection on a daily basis - especially to mommy and daddy. Life is an everyday pleasure.

The Twos Program follows a group routine. Routine is extremely important at this age. The Two is beginning to understand what happens after snack, after nap...etc. He thrives on sequence - knowing what comes next. It's security in the his life. The Twos classroom is designed to allow for individual or small group activities either teacher or self directed. It allows a child many varied activities from quiet to active play or involvement.

The Twos Program follows the curriculum themes. It provides activities that are developmentally appropriate and which introduce such curriculum areas as:

  • Discovery Opportunities and Sensory Experiences - Sensory development is an important part of the Two's life. He has to touch, taste and smell practically everything he comes in contact with. The Program offers many carefully planned activities that allow children to explore, discover and learn indoors and out.

  • Language Acquisition and Cognitive Development - The Twos Program provides for and enhances the language development which is so important at this age through an environment filled with books, language and conversation. Although a Two now has many words and can express himself quite well most times, teachers work with each child to help them learn to regulate their feelings and verbally communicate their needs. Teachers are there to create experiences, ask stimulating questions and help find the answers.

  • Creative Expression - The Twos Program provides opportunities in art, music and movement. Exploration is in different art media such finger painting, collages, coloring and gluing. Music is in the form of finger plays, instrument play and games. Movement is experienced in games and dancing. All of these areas are incorporated into the Twos' curriculum and become your child's work. Your child's individual work is just as important to him as your work is to you. Discuss the work with your child, praise what he has made, hang it up at home. The interest and concerns you demonstrate now will form your child's attitude for the future.

  • Cooking, Science and Math - The Program uses large and small group experiences to introduce these concepts. From mixing play dough, to counting out snack crackers, to water table play, each activity presents new opportunities for exploration.

  • Self-help Skills - As a child grows, so does his need to be independent. Time and time again the two-year-old will express "I do it myself". Activities are planned to develop these skills. Handwashing, bathrooming, dressing and undressing, and helping to clean up are just some of the self help skills promoted at this age. By developing self-help skills we help instill a feeling of independence and self-confidence.

  • Fine and Gross Motor Skills - The Twos Program provides ample opportunity for the development of motor fine and gross motor skills. The use of manipulative equipment and art media provide opportunities that aid in the development of fine motor dexterity. Games, activities and outdoor play add to the Twos' proficiency in the area of gross motor development.

  • Social and Emotional Development - The Twos Program provides a joyful and enthusiastic approach with the children. A loving, caring environment guides each child to gain a feeling of autonomy and self-acceptance. Teachers employ a positive approach to encourage the development of social skills. The parallel and associative play at two will be interactive at three.

  • Cultural Awareness - The Program introduces awareness to the world around us. Teachers work to establish a foundation for the respect of ones self and others. Tolerance for others begins to develop.

Learning and play go hand in hand. Many of the social skills needed for everyday life are developed through play. In the Twos Program children learn to cooperate, better communicate, understand classroom limits. We want our Twos to develop a healthy sense of security and a healthy self-esteem.