Green's Farms Nursery School
71 Hillandale Road
Westport, CT 06880

Tel: (203) 227-9363
E-mail:

Fours Plus is designed to nurture the children's capacity for problem-solving, independent thinking, and group interaction, which are essential for kindergarten readiness. Based on the expectations outlined by Fairfield County public schools, GFNS believes that the social and emotional development of our children is key to a successful kindergarten experience. Fours Plus will be structured to complement our existing 4's program.

The Fours Plus program will use a curriculum based on themes that promote respect, independent thinking, and problem-solving. It will provide each child as well as the group with constant choices and decision-making strategies. Each session will begin with lunch, which should be brought from home. Lunch is considered an integral part of the program, with an emphasis on manners, sharing thoughts and ideas, and open-ended discussions about their environment, themselves and the world. The class will then proceed to an interactive group experience. An example of a teaching unit will be "An Exploration of Animals". Each child will have an opportunity to choose his or her own animal about which to gather information. The children will collect data from pictures, experimentation and creative exploration. If they choose, they will have the opportunity to "present" their findings to their classmates. This may be in the form of either dramatic play, or a creative group project (mural, free-standing sculpture, etc.) The goal is to promote self-confidence and self-esteem within a "team" setting.

Teachers of the Fours Plus class will pay special attention to charting, group voting, open-end discussion, and problem-solving. We will make use of a "round table" style of discussion among the children. Our goal is to enable all children to express their own ideas and thoughts in their own way and, at the same time, to be curious and respectful of each other's ideas. To facilitate the collaborative focus of this class, group size will be limited to 12 students.

Children eligible for the class must by 4 years old by September 1. The applicants must meet the social and emotional qualifications outlined by the Three's teaching staff and administration.

Parents interested in the Fours Plus program may contact the GFNS office at (203) 227-9363 for an application.