The term “kindergarten” is a German word meaning “children’s garden” in reference to Friedrich Frobel’s philosophy of early childhood education. Frobel coined the term in 1840 to describe his methods, stating, “How does the gardener treat his plants? He studies their individual natures, and puts them into such circumstances of soil and atmosphere as to enable them to grow, flower and bring forth fruit—also to renew their manifestation year after year.”
At Cary Christian School, we see connections between this metaphor of education as a sort of children’s garden to the way Scripture describes the teaching and training of children. Paul exhorts the church in Ephesus to raise their children in “the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). The Greek word translated “training and instruction” ispaidea, a difficult word to adequately translate to English. Ultimately, the concept is to “enculturate” children into the ways of God. So education involves more than just downloading facts and data. It involves the “circumstances of soil and atmosphere.” In other words, it involves the whole culture and environment of the child.
Children, like gardens, need tender care if they are to grow into the beautiful creations they were meant to be. Like flowers, they need attention, proper surroundings, time, nutrients for body, mind, and soul, and love. Most of all, children need to know that God loves them, has a plan for their lives and has given them His Word to provide them with the wisdom, knowledge, direction and hope they need to live successful lives that honor and glorify him. In our kindergarten program at Cary Christian School, we provide another important tool to help children grow into intelligent, Christ-honoring adults: a classical education founded upon a biblical worldview.
We want children to develop a life-long love of learning. From kindergarten through 12th grade, we teach our students how to think critically, and not just remember facts. This involves exposing students to the big ideas that have inspired minds for generations by teachers and administrators who love and pray for them. Even at this young age, students are exposed to the great thinkers, artists, inventors, and leaders who used their talents to the glory of God. Music and art are also a fundamental part of our private school kindergarten program.
Our kindergarten curriculum covers the breadth of what children see, hear, and experience. Students learn the books of the Bible and the attributes of God. They develop skills in phonics-based reading, writing and listening. They understand the world that they immediately experience in social studies lessons concentrically oriented around the family, the community, the state, and the nation. In science, students explore the world God has placed them in through studies in the senses, and animal habitats in North Carolina. In math, they learn the basics of counting and recognizing patterns. All the while, these precious souls are nurtured and cared for with the water and sunlight of love.
This year, in response to the needs of our students and their families, we are happy to offer a Kindergarten Extended Day program. This provides an added convenience to families who may need a longer kindergarten schedule than our traditional half-day schedule. For a small additional fee, the extended day program will offer lunch, fun educational opportunities and fellowship with fellow students. Pick up time for the extended program will follow the current elementary carpool schedule.
Frobel’s description of early childhood education is happening every day in the classrooms at Cary Christian School. It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege to watch these little ones grow in the rich soil of truth, goodness, and beauty.
Contact us today to learn more about our private Christian kindergarten in Cary, N.C. We still have open seats and would love to meet with you.
More Posts by This Author:
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- Anatomy of a Great Parent-Teacher Conference
- Beyond Cliché: Incarnational Education (Part 2 of 3)
- Beyond Cliché: Resurrectional Education (Part 3 of 3)
- Beyond Cliché: Trinitarian Education (Part 1 of 3)
- CCS Biology Labs Are Glowing!
- Christian Schooling and Sports
- Coaches’ Corner: It’s More Than Just a Game
- Common Core at CCS?
- Conceptualizers
- Cuban and Cook on Classical Education
- Doing What We Are Made For
- Knights’ Fest
- Latin, Alive and Well
- Light in the Darkness (Third Week of Advent)
- Search and Teach
- Speaking Up
- The (Hand)Writing on the Wall
- The Father’s Land
- Training Up Children, or Churning Out Widgets?