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Curriculum |
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East Hills Preschool curriculum is based on knowledge of how children grow, develop, and learn. The curriculum is designed to include optimum learning opportunities and maximum involvement of the children. The curriculum is planned to develop all the readiness skills which are necessary for cognitive and social growth. There are several aspects to our planning: Setting long range goals for each child - At the beginning of each school year, our teachers assess each child and develop individualized plans which consist of setting instructional and educational goals for the entire school year. Such objectives may include: determining particular readiness skills that the child needs for competence; facilitating the child's ability to express both needs and ideas; encouraging a child to become a more active, contributing member of a group, and many more. Our long range goal planning is based on the belief that each child develops his/her potential at his/her own rate. We encourage parents to become aware of these goals by attending scheduled conferences with their child's teacher. Monthly curriculum plan - Once a month, teachers and directors meet together to discuss and supplement the curriculum guide that has been established by the directors. Our group then selects a general theme within which to incorporate the particular readiness skills that we have chosen to emphasize. Some specific themes may include seasonal themes (autumn, winter, spring, summer), Self (me, my family, the community), animals, workers, transportation, etc. As mentioned, particular readiness skills are incorporated into the general theme each month. Readiness skills include: language arts development; color recognition; oral language; beginning writing skills; auditory discrimination; visual discrimination; pre-reading development; a language experience approach to reading; math concept development; and motor development. A Language Experience Approach to reading is a method by which children learn to "read" their own words and experience their own language. With this method, children form a connection between the spoken word and the written word, between a symbol and its meaning. This method encourages the individual to take an active role in his/her reading experience. The child draws a picture and then uses his/her own words to describe the action in his/her story. The teacher copies verbatim the words of the child and then reads the words back to him/her. When the child gains confidence in this activity, he/she then, if he/she wishes, reads his/her own story to his/her teacher. In this manner the child gains confidence and competence in his/her ability to write and read his/her own language. Math concept development includes counting, shapes and set formation. Motor development includes identifying body parts, gross motor skills (running, jumping, skipping, hopping) and fine motor skills (how to cut, draw, tie, button, snap). Daily Activities The third segment of our program consists of four daily activities. Teachers plan and design daily experiences of two types: art based projects and language arts experiences. These activities are designed to fit within the established monthly curriculum and are planned to allow for a balance of experiences. We like to create a good balance between directed and non-directed, structured, and non-structured, active and quiet, and individual/group related activities. Specific activities may include: painting using various media (i.e. fingers, brushes, paint blocks, sponges, etc.); collage; cutting; story writing; book making; drawing with various media (i.e. felt pens, crayons, pencils, chalk). At East Hills Preschool, we concentrate on promoting the development of good behavior. Discipline problems are minimized when:
Show 'n Tell Our "Show 'N Tell" program permits, and even encourages, the children to bring an object from home once a week to "show off" to their friends. The purpose of this program is twofold; to encourage the development of descriptive speech, and to support our policy or non-violence. And it is also one of the children's favorite experiences. On Thursday and Friday of each week (unless otherwise noted on the monthly calendar) the children can bring an object from home. It will be placed in a basket where it will be kept until Small Group Time. During Small Group each student will have the opportunity to talk about his/her treasure and to show it to his/her friends. We have found that this opportunity is often a catalyst to encourage even the shyest children to begin speaking! We often designate or make suggestions on the monthly calendar about what can be brought in. (For example - something that begins with a letter or is a certain color). Please note that the designations are meant merely as a SUGGESTION and not a requirement. The development of cooperation and socialization skills is one of our main goals, therefore it is imperative that only NON-VIOLENT toys be shared. Please label items with childs name! Dress Code In the interest of safety, independence and self-reliance, economy, and daily fun, East Hills has decided to adopt a "dress code". We can guarantee that your children, upon departure, will not look the same as they did upon arrival. We work and play and have fun, and in the process we get dirty! The following lists will describe suggestions for being the "best dressed" at East Hills, and restrictions for your reference. Best Dressed:
Restrictions:
Please keep in mind that we cannot be responsible for lost accessories such as jewelry, hair bows and clips, etc. In the past some families have solved the "want to get dressed-up" request by purchasing fancy "it won't matter" clothing from a thrift store! Thank you very much for understanding our position on dressing for an East Hills day! |
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