Class Description
Class description are written by the teachers of the classroom to better describe what their program involves. Each description is different, but all classes have the basics of art, math, science, pre-writing, circle time (music and stories) small and large muscle, and dramatic play. Our philosophy is such that "play based" ideas are the best way for children to experience the different areas presented in the classroom.
Pre K 1 class Mon-Wed 9am - 1pm Fri 9am - 12 noon
Teachers Pam Masters, Cathy Fort
Pre-reading and writing skills...We have a wide range of activities to encourage listening and concentration skills to help children clarify their thinking ideas. We use a wide range of mediums to ensure development of small muscles that help the process of making marks on paper. These activities include play doe, sensory table, using tweezers, working with manipulatives etc. We encourage the children to write their names . The alphabet is introduced with the "letter of the week"
Art...We have a teacher-directed/planned art activities that usually follows the curriculum, as well as free art throughout the" free choice" time of the day. This develops eye hand co-ordination, manipulative skills, colors, shapes, and the wide use of textures and materials leading into the world of science. It promotes a sense of achievement, confidence, discovery, decision-making and organizational skills. It developes language articulation and strengthens their social skills with both their peers and adults.
Dramatic Play...We change an area in our classroom often throughout the year with different themes. ie: grocery store, rocket ship, pizza kitchen etc. This invites children to participate in imaginative role play, social etiquette, turn taking and negotiating ideas. We encourage learning to respect others, toys and equipment. We also act out stories which is a wonderful way to develop the their sense of recall and apply their own interpretation style. The children have a choice to be actors or an audience participate.
Math... We have some teacher/directed/planned math time during the day that follows the theme. This would include patterning, counting, sequencing, shapes, measuring, sorting, recognizing numbers, graphs etc. We do this with games, table manipulative's, flannel board, puzzles, etc. Throughout the day many opportunities arise where math is integrated and implemented.
Science... Once again there is a teacher/planned science activity during the week. This is introduced with as much "hands on" opportunities as possible.
this may include measuring, cooking, animal/human facts, textures, problem solving, weights, balance etc. Each day, many opportunities arise in which science is experienced. ie painting, sensory table, dramatic play, and books.
Large Muscle- We (all classes) have time to go downstairs to the basement to get the "wiggles" out. We have trikes, climbing structures, balls, as well as other equipment that we rotate throughout the year.
Circle Time - We have 2 circle times; the first one is an introduction to the day,the theme and what is available to play with at the different areas of the classroom. This includes calendar, a story, and maybe a song that goes with the story. The 2nd circle time is usually after lunch. This time is spent with an active songs and/or a large group game.
Free Choice- We have about an hour each day in which the children can choose when and where they'd like to play. This is the time that the children can practice all of the skills that they have been learning. Play is very important in our classroom and school. Teachers are available at all times to help with the social experiences. We help direct problem solving techniques, turn taking and negotiating skills.
Lunchtime- The children bring in their own lunch. We usually eat around 11:45 or 12ish. (We have snack around 10:15) It takes about 15-20 minutes for lunch.
Field Trips- Because of the length of our day, we are able to participate in some of the events that are within walking distance. This includes storytime at the library, the Gingerbread Festival, and visiting the downtown fish store.
3 Year Old Class- Tue & Thurs 8:45 - 11:45 am
This teachers are Cathy Fort and Pam Masters
The child needs to be 3 by Sept. 1st. Enrollment can be anytime during the year as long as their 3.
This class is a basic class for those that have had little or no experience in the preschool setting. We have circle time that includes books, music, games. In the beginning of school the circle time is shorter and as the child settles in we extended the time accordingly.
We have many opportunities during Free Choice for many small motor and art activities. The time allotted for this is about an hour. We have a snack and then proceed downstairs to our large motor play area for about 30 minutes.
Child Development Classes Mon - Thurs 9:00 - 11:30 and Tue - Thurs 12:30 - 3:00
Teachers are Tracy Smith and Margie Berkun
These classes are a combined class of Special needs children and typical community children ranging from ages of 3 to 5 years of age. In this way we see the special needs children respond and learn from their peers. Our special needs children may have minor development delays such as speech, fine motor, large motor, or just slower processing. We have outside therapist that come in and work with these children. Our curriculum is developed to the needs of these children and the needs of the typical developing child.
These classes also off Pre-Kindergarden skills.
The Child Development Classes has scholarships just ask for a form.