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Enhancement

Within the regular classroom curriculum, The Westfield Cooperative Nursery School offers a wide variety of activities. These enhancements are designed to broaden the children's knowledge and increase their awareness across a broad range of ideas and topics. Visiting teachers offer an enjoyable and diverse addition to classroom activities.
  • Music - Michelle Wyrwa provides interactive vocal and instrumental experiences for the children.
  • Spanish - With the help of "Mimi el Mono" (Mimi the Monkey) and Marina Kennedy, children are introduced to a variety of spanish words and phrases including numbers, colors, feelings, weather, culture, and more.
  • Health and Movement - Marina Kennedy teaches children healthy habits and developing gross motor skills through stretching muscles, reaching, and bending.
  • Computer - Children use age and developmentally appropriate games to learn computer skills. This class is taught by Lauren Flast.
  • Nutrition, Hygiene & Safety - Marina Kennedy helps children to develop good nutrition, health, and safety habits.
  • Sharing Talents & Skills - Alumni students return to play musical instruments, sing, and read stories.
  • St. Jude's Trike-A-Thon - Children learn about bicycle safety while raising money to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
Throughout the school year, WCNS also hosts a variety of a guest speakers and special presentations. In addition to professionally conducted events, parents, alumni and members of the community are welcome to share their expertise. Recently, these varied events have included:
  • Puppeteer - Mariah Newborne offers an interactive show with multiple puppets and stories such as "Litter of Oz", "The Giving Tree", and "The Selfish Giant".
  • Animal Science - Hatching of chicks, butterflies, and lunar moths in the classrooms.
  • Sea-Life Presentation - Children see and touch a variety of sea creatures such as urchins and starfish.
  • The Lizard Guys - Snakes and lizards and geckoes, oh my!
  • Story Teller - Interpretive story telling with puppets and child participation.
Four-year-old and four-plus classes also participate in a number of field trips. Recently, these classes have visited:
  • Hillview Farm - pumpkin picking, apple cider press demonstration, bee-keeping presentation, harvest discussion.
  • Teddy Bear Clinic - First aid, prevention and health discussion conducted by Overlook Hospital staff.
  • Westfield Fire Department - discussion of fire safety, close-up view of fire truck, presentation by firefighters.
  • Trailside Museum & Nature Center - guided tour of museum, observation of insects in their habitat.
  • Westfield Memorial Library - storytime with the Westfield children's librarian in the library.