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| A Typical Pre-Kindergarten Session |
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A typical class session for the pre-kindergarten classes begins with a short period of
free play which is supervised by the teachers and parent helpers. Socialization,
sharing, initiating play, independence, positive self image and problem solving are
emphasized. Following free play, a large group meeting is held which gives children
the opportunity to practice listening skills, math skills, follow directions and learn
about general topics such as the weather, days of the week, counting, and special dates
and places. Each week, the classes focus on special themes which range from nursery
rhymes to understanding environmental issues. Parent helpers for the session are
also introduced during large group time. Children love this special opportunity to
introduce you! After the large group meeting, the children work in small groups
and/or individually on projects emphasizing pre-reading and reading skills, math
readiness, language, and fine motor skills. An additional short period of free play
is followed by "clean-up" time, teaching children responsibility and working
together. A second large group time gives children opportunities for structured
practice with language and listening skills through literature, science, music, or
creative dramatics. Snack time follows large group time, giving children an
opportunity to practice using manners and socialization skills. Following snack,
teacher directed games (indoors or outside in the play area when the weather allows)
provide opportunities for socialization, practicing respect for others, sportsmanship, and
safety awareness. The pre-kindergarten classes focus on many essential aspects
kindergarten readiness for your child! |
| A Typical Mixed-Aged Class Session |
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A typical class session for the mixed age group (ages 3, 4, and 5) follows the same
format as the Pre-Kindergarten class session. Themes are identical and projects are
similar to those done in the pre-kindergarten class. Teachers identify the needs of older
children who are preparing to enter kindergarten and create opportunities to accommodate
individual learning needs, such as a greater focus on pre-reading and math skills.
Teachers help the younger children to develop skills needed for structured
activities. For the mixed age classes, an environment is created where a range of
age appropriate learning needs are met. |
| A Typical Three-Year-Old Class Session |
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A typical class session for the younger three-year olds begins with a short period of
free play followed by a large group meeting to introduce the parent helper for the session
and to explain the day's activities. Children practice listening skills and learn to
follow directions. The large group meeting is followed by supervised free play and
small group arts & crafts projects which follow a theme for the week. Themes
help children focus their learning about topics that range from dinosaurs to the colonial
days; from farm activities to discovering shadows. Art projects with scissors,
markers, paste and textured items help young children with fine motor skills, listening
skills, following directions, and self esteem. Free play activities focus on social
skills including making friends, sharing, cooperating, following rules, taking turns and
making choices. Free play is followed by "clean-up" time, teaching
children responsibility, working together as a group, pride in their school, and
cooperation. A second large group time gives children opportunities for structured
practice with language and listening skills through group and individual participation in
songs and finger play. Songs are selected which emphasize counting, ABC's, colors,
shapes, safety and the theme for the week. Snack time follows large group time,
giving children an opportunity to practice using manners, social skills, taking turns,
following directions and participating in informal group conversations. Following
snack, a formal story time with books, short stories, tapes, and puppets helps children's'
speech and language development as well as listening skills and attention span. The
final activity for each session includes teacher directed games (indoors or outside in the
play area when the weather allows) providing opportunities for taking turns, cooperation,
following directions, gross motor skill development and safety awareness. The
three-year-old classes focus on many important early skills to prepare your child for the
school years ahead! |
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