Over the past twenty years I have repeated the following words to thousands of parents: “Bridges at St. Thomas More Nursery School and Kindergarten offers a three part curriculum-academic, religious, and socialization.” Although I mention the socialization aspect last, it is as important as the others.

Of course, most parents ask many questions regarding phonics, writing, reading, mathematics, science, social studies and whole language. They want their children to be academically prepared for the future.

Other families are very concerned about religious curriculum.  Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday, and The May Crowning are areas I discuss.  I can hear the excitement in the voices of the families when I tell them about our Christmas Shows and nativities, our Easter celebrations and hand made crosses, our Lenten promises, Ash Wednesday Services, and our May Crowning. They are excited to learn that prayer is an important part of each day. Their goal is to have God become  the center of their child’s education.

I don’t answer many questions regarding social development, especially when dealing with the four year old curriculum.  It is unfortunate that this area frequently goes unmentioned.

Classroom environment and peer association can have extremely important effects on a child’s sense of themselves.

School is the place where children establish the definition of who they are as a student. It is where they will be exposed to various personalities. Decisions will have to be made as to whom they wish to emulate. Good social climate and positive interactions are extremely vital to a child’s healthy social development.

I am sure we have all shied away from a family whose child’s behavior is not what we want our child’s to become.  We pick and choose our children’s friends carefully.  It is one of the tenants of good parenting.

The same is true for school environment. It should be a place where good examples abound. Your child should be able to confidently interact on an appropriate level with all the other students. Positive role models should be plentiful.

Play dates with classmates should be encouraged and joyfully anticipated. The friendships made in nursery school will be carried throughout your child’s school career. Best friends are found and bonds are formed.

It gives me great pleasure when I meet a former student who tells me they are still friends with the children they met at Bridges. These relationships have stood the test of time. Two of the girls from, what seems like just yesterday, are rooming together in college this year. Their moms are best friends as well.

I may mention “socialization” last when explaining the three part curriculum, but it is no indication of its value and impact.  As my mom used to say… “Show me who your friends are and I’ll tell you what you are”.