What do we do at Preschool?
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Our classrooms are set up in a learning center style.  This set-up invites the children to learn at their own pace and comfort level.  The materials available in the centers change, as well as the centers themselves, according to the curriculum and skill sets that are being emphasized. 

 

Circle Time is a group gathering during which we share our ideas, plans, and observations. Circle activities are designed to stimulate youngsters’ thinking, enrich their social skills, and expand their attention spans.

 

Gross-motor activities give children the opportunity to use their muscles - as well as their imagination - as they engage in fun, healthy exercises, such as running, jumping and climbing.

 

Fine-motor activities help improve small-muscle development and eye-hand coordination. Some common items found in the fine motor /manipulative area includes puzzles, beads and laces, pegboards, crayons, and scissors.

 

Creative Art activities help youngsters creatively express their thoughts and feelings. They help reinforce fine-motor skills and concept development in areas such as colors, shapes, and size relationships. A variety of art media and materials are provided for cutting, scribbling, drawing, painting and creating.  The focus of art activities is on the process, not the final product.  Children have the opportunity to create both individual and group art projects.

 

Dramatic-play activities help children express them-selves, practice life skills, improve social skills, increase self-esteem, build vocabulary, and solve problems. And, well, dramatic play is just plain fun! Clothes and props are provided.

 

Music activities promote youngsters’ listening skills, creative expression, and social skills. In music, children can explore sound, volume, tempo, and rhythm.

 

Science activities offer children many hands-on opportunities for observation, exploration, investigation, making predictions, experimentation and provides for wonderful sensory experiences. A variety of materials are provided for tasting, smelling, hearing, and touching.

 

Sand and water activities allow youngsters to experiment with textures and the properties of different substances. These activities also promote the development of other skills, such as math, science, and language.

 

Block play makes available to children blocks and building materials of various shapes and sizes are provided for constructing, building, and developing important math and science skills. Block play gives children experience with many different concepts, such as shape and size discrimination, spatial relationships, number skills, balance, organization, cause and effect, and classification. Cooperative play skills, problem solving, and creativity are also promoted.

 

Story time is designed to help youngsters develop an appreciation and enjoyment of literature. Reading activities enhance children’s vocabulary and comprehension skills, and also expand their knowledge base.

 

Reading space is a comfortable spot in the classroom that is always available to children.  This area is used for spending time quiet with friends, being alone, or reading a book.