Curriculum

"Representational painting from a famous artist using a rainbow of colors and small brushes"

Art
   Art is a means of developing creativity, individuality and self-esteem.  Creativity is natural to an uninhibited preschooler.  our program gives daily opportunities to select attractive materials and use them creatively to make the child's own "works of art."  The process of artistic creation is valued more than the finished product.

   The use of crayons, markers, scissors, glue and play dough, as well as the variety of possibilities for painting with brushes, blowers, gadgets, sponges, etc. are used to increase self-expression as well as to develop artistic awareness.  These mediums not only provide an outlet for creative impulses, but promote the fine motor development and eye-hand coordination necessary for reading and writing.  Art also provides a great opportunity to explore other cultures and to enhance a sense of cultural pride on the part of all ethnic groups.

   Our curriculum will include appreciation of fine art as well as being able to appreciate our own work.

"Kaylee discovers the science of transparency and colors"

Science

   Science is looked at as discovery rather than memorization of facts.  Staff members will provide opportunities to stimulate children to find their own routes to discovery, to make intelligent guesses and to speculate.  As the child watches, wonders, studies and questions, he is experiencing science as a part of everyday living.  he gains an appreciation of the world around him; he keeps alive the sense of wonder; he begins to understand the orderliness of the universe; he develops a method of thinking and finds answers to questions.

   Science learnings, therefore, will integrate with the child's daily experiences and to himself as a person.  The importance of keeping alive the sense of curiosity and of providing opportunities for exploration cannot be overemphasized.

   Our math and science center will provide the child with opportunities to explore the world of computers.  Computer programs are available to enable the child to learn through self-guided discovery.  Today's children are living in the 21st century.  It is essential that we provide them with the skills and interests that will equip them to be successful adults.

   Living science is an important part of our program.  Through care of animals, children learn both love and responsibility.

"Block building teaches the concepts of shape, size, length, and location"

Dramatic Play

   Dramatic play provides the opportunity for children to express themselves, develop important social skills, learn self-help and grooming skills and to become acquainted with family members and their roles at home and in the community.  Children who engage in dramatic play often reenact what they see and hear at home, but to them it is realistic living, not "dramatic play."  It helps them understand the adult world.  Anything is possible... a child can be the mother, father, baby, street sweeper, firefighter, or whatever he likes.  Roles may change rapidly.  With adequate time and space, children play out what is important to them... they express their emotions.  They are making a trail run for the future.  The role of our staff members is to set the stage with time, space, props and support.  The teacher plays a preliminary and supportive role while the children do most of the performing.

Music & Movement
   Music is one of the constructive ways in which children can express their feelings.  A life long appreciation for music can be the result of a child's pleasant introduction to it.  We introduce music in a wide variety of ways... listening, singing, creating music with instruments, movement and dancing.  

   Children can increase their immediate knowledge by expressing it through music.  For example: staff members may ask "How does a duck walk?  A rabbit?  How does popcorn sound popping in a pan?"  Children become observant of many things around them which may ordinarily go unnoticed, thus aiding in increasing their vocabulary.

   Each child is given the opportunity to learn about the different types of instruments and can further their knowledge by exploring and expressing themselves through the use of these instruments.

   Music contributes to physical development through rhythms and movement and dance.

Nutrition

   In today's society filled with junk foods, it is becoming increasingly important to teach children about nutrition.  We want to help each child learn how to make appropriate food choices and to become aware of the importance of a nutritionally sound diet.  We involve children in the preparation of meals . . . washing the tables, setting the tables, helping to prepare some of the foods and cleaning up afterwards.  Mealtimes and snack times provide the opportunity to discuss proper manners, use of utensils, the origins of food, the wide variety of foods including different cultural groups and the importance of tasting different kinds of foods.   Cooking projects are offered weekly to every child and participating helps each child become independent, to learn about the world, to experience accomplishment and to contribute by helping.

"Discovering the elements of working with wood"

Physical Development

   Our motor development program provides opportunities for children to participate in activities that promote large and small muscle development.  Each child is given the opportunity to cope with his physical world, for independence, for repetition, to develop body skills and coordination, for mastery over his environment, for cooperation and for increased self-image.

   Through his play, each child exercises and masters his large and small muscles.  When children feel competent, they are willing to attempt new and different experiences.  Play opportunities help develop physical abilities of the child through locomotor (running, climbing and other activities involving movement in space) and non-locomotor (bending, twisting, turning, stretching, positioning and other stationary activities).

   The role of staff members is to offer support, confidence, encouragement, proper set up of equipment, discussion of safety rules and to insure appropriate levels of motor development.

"A quiet moment to share a personal photo journal with a friend"

Language Development

   Language development takes place throughout the day and in all areas of our program.  It is promoted during music activities, stories and verses, and the teacher's use of names for all parts of the body, objects in the room and the considerable vocabulary pertaining to our rich and factual learning program.

"Anson enjoys exploring the world of computers"

Cognitive Growth

   Cognitive (or intellectual) development is enhanced and nurtured through the daily activities that are provided.  Children at this age are in what Piaget has labeled the "pre-operational stage of development."  Only through many direct experiences that challenge their thinking and employ their emerging skills will children move into the next cognitive level.  Our staff will be providing many key experiences to aid this growth.

Curriculum Overview

September . . . Getting Acquainted with Ourselves & Others

   Goals:  To help each child achieve an awareness of themselves as a special and lovable person, separate from family; to help each child develop trust with people outside the family unit; to help each child develop a positive attitude toward school; and to help each child grow in the ability to do things independently.

   Suggestions:  Getting acquainted; learning the names of the children in class; social adjustment; myself; friends; my family; my body; primary colors (red, yellow, blue); shapes (circle and pentagon).

October . . . The Sights & Sounds of Fall

   Goals:  To introduce each child to his five senses; to identify feelings and to recognize and deal with fears; to help each child notice the wonders around him; to stimulate imagination.

   Suggestions:  Introduction of the season of Fall and the changes that occur in Fall; explore the range of our emotions (love, joy, excitement, anger, frustration, happiness...) and understand that feelings are natural and acceptable; Halloween; safety; police officer; colors (orange and black); shape (octagon).

November . . . Thanksgiving & Fall Harvest

   Goals:  To build an understanding of Thanksgiving as an American celebration; to learn about different foods and good nutrition; to learn about families; to learn about Native Americans.

   Suggestions:  Changes that occur in Fall; foods associated with Fall harvest (apples, squash, turkey, pumpkins); manners, hospitality, giving, sharing and concern for others; colors (red, orange, brown, yellow, autumn rusts); shapes (square and cornucopia).

December . . . Christmas & Other Cultural Celebrations

   Goals:  To learn the traditions of beauty and joy of Christmas and other cultural celebrations; to help each child experience a feeling of love for family and friends.

   Suggestions:  Giving and sharing; using our sense of hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch; making holiday gifts and decorations; shapes (triangle and starts); colors (green, silver, gold).

January . . . Wintertime & the New Year

   Goals:  To be aware of the season of Winter; to learn about different climates and weather; to develop an awareness of ecology and care of our environment; to learn about Martin Luther King Day.

   Suggestions:  Winter . . . ice, snow, rain; recycling and conservation; animals in winter; colors (white, blue); shapes (rectangle and dome).

February . . . People in our Community

   Goals:  To learn about the roles and functions of adults in our community; to learn that giving Valentines is an expression of love and friendship; to explore and learn from relationships; to learn how to conserve our resources; to learn about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

   Suggestions:  Being a friend; making Valentines; visiting the mailbox, mail carriers; doctor and dentist; colors (pink, red, white); shape (heart).

March . . . Exploring the World of Science

   Goals:  To help children observe accurately, investigate and organize information, and think critically; to learn about creativity within the natural elements of mud, sand and water; to learn about the season of Spring and the changes it brings; to learn about St. Patrick's Day; to learn how to keep air clean.

   Suggestions:  Wind, kites, magnets, how things work, machines; air; color (green); shape (shamrock).

April . . . The Miracle of New Life

   Goals:  To deepen a sense of wonder through first hand experiences with plants and growing things, to learn that life begins again in nature with new plants, animals, and humans; to explore the way water comes into our lives (Earth Day), why it is needed and how to avoid pollution.

   Suggestions:  Seeds to plants; polliwogs to frogs (reptiles); caterpillars to butterflies (insects); baby animals; colors (purple, yellow); shapes (cylinder and oval).

May . . . The Wonderful World of Animals

   Goals:  To become familiar with animals on the farm or in the circus, in the zoo, in our homes, and in the past (dinosaurs); to learn about Mothers' Day and May Day; to understand wildlife conservation.

   Suggestions:  Animals; colors (lilac, fuchsia, orchid); shape (diamond).

June . . . Vacation Time

   Goals:  To explore the various areas around our county/city where people can take trips/outings/vacations.  To become familiar with the plant life and animal life in different areas.  To celebrate Father's Day.

   Suggestions:  Camping in the mountains, desert, parks; picnicking, colors (beige and brown); shapes (cone, cube).

July . . . Life at the Beach

   Goals:  To increase awareness of the ocean and its inhabitants as well as the vegetation and sand.

   Suggestions:  Sea life, shells, and sand; Independence Day; colors (aqua, turquoise); shape (pyramid).

August . . . Exploring Space

   Goals:  To deepen a sense of wonder and increase awareness about space.  To explore the idea of space travel and living in space.

   Suggestions:  To expose the children to some of the simpler concepts about space in an easily understandable manner (astronauts, space travel); to encourage and interest in astronomy (sun, moon, stars, planets) and other sciences; colors (black, gray, silver); shape (hexagon).