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ACADEMICS The emphasis of our program is the social development
of the child. Of primary importance is building a child's positive
self-image, self-esteem and self-confidence. We strive to create a warm,
accepting atmosphere for children to explore their world All classes have enrichment funds, which are used to
incorporate special learning experiences. The program builds as the
children get older:
Social, intellectual and psychological gains are made
through creative and cooperative play.
WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Eye-hand coordination Small muscle development Creative use of materials Chances to explore Self-expression-Represent what they have done, seen, imagined Discrimination New vocabulary about textures, colors, shapes Sensory exploration Putting together Experiment with color, line, space, shape, design HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Allow children to use materials creatively Process, NOT Product is important Put names on the back of artwork and the date Talk about the colors, shapes, designs DO NOT make models for children to copy or do the project for them Think about your comments to children…
WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Eye-hand coordination Balance Recognition of shapes Creativity ad imagination Problem solving Sequencing Equivalencies Safety Repetition Success Failure Stacking HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Talk to the children about what they are doing Let the children do as much as they can by themselves-help them do things; don’t do it for them Suggest possible ways to use material Encourage involvement in block play; try counting, sorting by shape, ordering by size Remind children of safety rules Help protect and individual’s space and creation, at the same time we can encourage cooperative play Build away from block cupboards so others will have access to the shelves Children can build to their shoulder height only Children may push over only what they have built after everyone is out of the way Help children experiment with balance, how to make a stable structure Expect children to assist in clean-up; make it fun WHAT CHILDREN LEARN New sounds, words, meanings, ideas, concepts Turning pages Imaginative thinking Sequencing and telling stories To care for and appreciate books Conversation skills Left-to-right sequence Sound/letter correspondences Felling cared about when held close by an adult Listening skills Words have meaning HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Read books to children Make listening to stories fun and special Hold or sit close to child Talk about the book Encourage child to tell you the story Show child the correct ways to care for books Let child see you reading Read a variety of things such as books, poetry, magazines Expose children to letters and words WHAT CHILDREN LEARN To enjoy different types of music, singing, movement Visual, auditory memory Language development Body awareness Self = concept Respect for ideas of others Directions Experience and compare sounds, rhythms, movement (loud, soft, fast, slow, up and down, involves whole body) HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Parents come to music circle with the children and participate If a child chooses to watch and listen, that’s OK You can sing or clap or dance and notice other children who are doing the same Repeat songs often so children can learn the words Don't expect too much “singing” from younger children Use music often during the day Play many different types of music at home HOME CENTER - DRAMATIC PLAY (top) WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Explore various roles; family, sex, occupational Self-concept development Dramatic, imaginative, cooperative play Problem solving Communication skills and Language skills Dressing – undressing Self-expression HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Join in the children’s play Follow the child’s lead Go to “visit” them, to “eat” with them May assist other children in entering play situation Give new ideas to expand or extend play Encourage children to use their imagination Do things that surprise or force the child to think about something new, “I’d like some salt on this please!” Use non gender labeling when possible; firefighter, police officer, mail carrier In essence, children are exploring, experimenting, discovering, inventing, creating, learning. Play, so vital to life, so natural to learning, so magical! WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Balance Strength Awareness of how their bodies move and work Coordination Chasing Endurance Positions in space (up, Down, behind, through) Taking risks Sharing Cooperation Throwing Success Gravity Climbing Catching Confidence in self HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Smile and enjoy what they are doing Make things safe State awareness of safety measures, “You are up high” (factual comment) vs. “Be careful: (limiting comment) Hands need to be free for climbing Suggest new things to try Let children try new things, but be there in case a problem arises Try to let children resolve their own conflicts Talk to the children about what they are doing WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Fine motor coordination Sequencing Size relationships Quantification Counting, colors, numbers Eye-hand coordination Part-to-whole relationships Confidence Visual discrimination Turn-taking Experiences with shapes Likenesses – differences Vocabulary building Self-correcting ability Turn taking HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Be available if child needs help or attention Can offer a suggestion or assistance to a frustrated child (“Let’s do it together”) Let child experience feelings of success for completing task Challenge children with new activities Have child look at puzzles before taking the pieces out so completing them is not frustrating Encourage child to experiment with size and shape relationships WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Relax and allow the senses to teach the properties of sand, water etc. Cooperation Words to express what they are experiencing; wet - dry - full - empty - roll - squeeze - bumpy - smooth filling - pouring… Emotional satisfaction Basic science concepts HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Tell children what they can do with the sand, rather that what they cannot do Encourage cooperation and sharing but help protect a child’s useof equipment Talk with the children about what they are doing Keep the area around the sensory table mopped or swept for safety A good time to watch for solitary, parallel or cooperative play WHAT CHILDREN LEARN Opportunity to interact with a small group Try new foods, textures, tastes Self help skills Practice in pouring Language development Basic nutrition awareness Social skills HOW ADULTS CAN HELP Set an example of courtesy and friendliness Sit down next to children’s chair for snack Encourage conversation about the snack of some other child friendly topic Encourage sampling of all the food Help pass out cups, napkins, etc. Encourage children to stay at the table while eating, for safety reasons we do not let the children wander the room with snack in hand |
through art,
music, stories and play. Small and large motor skills are developed
through a wide variety of carefully chosen toys, games, puzzles,
activities, projects, climbers and riding equipment.