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Programs

​"Education is the most powerful weapon which   you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela

GOALS

To be ready for kindergarten, we assist children in becoming socially competent, emotionally self-regulated, physically capable, and cognitive critical thinkers with a love for learning. How can we meet these goals?

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1) Socially Competent

We can help children reach social competence by guiding them to:

  • Practice problem solving skills

  • Compassionately interact with peers

  • Communicate and respond effectively

  • Respect personal space and personal decisions

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2) Emotionally Self-Regulated

We can help children to manage emotions on their own and recognize the emotions of others by providing opportunities to:

  • Build self confidence

  • Express their emotions

  • Teach and demonstrate empathy

  • Encourage a growth mindset

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3) Physically Capable

We can help children be physically capable of success in kindergarten by encouraging the practice of:

  • Fine motor skills (writing/cutting)

  • Gross motor skills (running/jumping/balance)

  • Independence by taking care of their own needs

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4) Cognitive Critical Thinkers

We can help children’s cognitive development and critical thinking skills by:

  • Providing a routine of academics (ABCs & 123s)

  • Asking open-ended questions (WHY?)

  • Supporting language development

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5) Love for Learning

We can help create a positive, memorable first experience in school by:

  • Creating environments for discovery and reflection

  • Using positive reinforcement

  • Having fun; both teacher and child

S.T.E.A.M.

Chemistry and Physics

 

The chemistry discovery table will offer varied tactile/sensory experiences including but not limited to sand, water, Orbeez, rice or playdough with various implements similar to measuring cups, marble tracks, funnels, and toys. This gives children many new understandings of physics, density, spatial relationships, measuring, cause and effect, in addition it will lend to fine and gross motor development by exercising the hands and practicing skills such as pouring and grasping.

Math and Engineering​

 

Math discoveries will include quantity, classification, number recognition, math operations and patterning. This will be done using a variety of materials, both with teacher support and children working independently. Children will also learn about sequencing which builds the foundation for coding, as well as early reading and writing skills.

Science

 

​This discovery table will include the opportunity to investigate a variety of natural items such as plant dissections, rock and mineral study, animal discards such as shed snakeskin and empty beehives. The  classroom  will  conduct  weekly  experiments  pertaining  to  the  monthly  theme: for example, if the class is exploring weather, the class will recreate rain clouds or make a tornado in a bottle. The children will learn the scientific method; learning how to originate and share their hypothesis, carry out the experiment, record their results and form their own conclusions. The class will also follow the engineering design process; this gives the children the ability to perform inquiries through observations and investigations as well as documenting and communicating their inquiries.

Art and Technology

 

This table will offer an opportunity to create something often related to the monthly theme, a book that we have read or a subject of interest to children. We will touch on subjects such as shapes, colors and spatial awareness which tie into early math concepts. This table

 

will have a lot of variation throughout the year because it is used to dive deeper into the child led discoveries.

In addition to the discovery tables daily curriculum, children will have the opportunity to explore dramatic play in the Imagination Station and create in the Art Lab. The Art Lab offers loose recycled items and a wide variety of crafting materials for open ended creations. We offer a variety of building materials at the Engineering Workshop and many toys on rotation. There is a cozy Research Library and a Recording Station to practice observing, writing skills and to sketch new ideas. The classroom Science and Math Lab offers many science and math materials that are readily available.

Music: Will also be incorporated during story time.

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