Curriculum

Dear Parents: 

Our program is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities for each child. This means that we understand that young children learn best in an active environment that is planned to match their level of development. When you visit our classroom you will notice that there are few desks and tables. We recognize that young children are active learners, not sitters. You will see there is a circle area where children participate in activities lead by the teacher such as listening to children's books, singing songs and discussing specific information. Children are learning that there are times for listening and sharing ideas.

One of the special features of our future classrooms are the many centers that will be placed around the classroom. Some of the centers have a long history of use in early childhood programs. These include Housekeeping, Blocks, Art and Library centers. There are other centers that will be set up for two or three weeks that focus on a particular topic such as Grocery Store, or Doctor's Office. During the year unique centers will be added that will challenge children's creative thinking. We are planning to add a Farm Center, Recycling Center, and Space Center later in the year.

Centers are an important part of the learning environment for young children. Children are able to choose the centers they would like to work in each day. This choice gives them an opportunity to make decisions and work in areas that are interesting to them. 

Centers are small and generally allow four to five children to work together. In this small group children learn to share, take turns, and to value other children's ideas.

In centers, children use language to accompany their activities, expanding their vocabulary. They listen to stories that relate to the center, providing a base for later reading and writing.

Some of the other positive benefits of young children using centers include

• Making choices and carrying out plans to completion

• Building a positive self-image

• Developing responsibility as they use and care for materials in the center

• Improving social skills as they work with others

•  Developing skills in meaningful activities

• Expanding their language as they talk, and listen to books, and

• Enhancing creative problem solving as they work in the center.

Please visit our classroom and centers anytime during bueiness hours. No appointment is necessary.

Angie & Glenn