Curriculum
Curriculum
“Curriculum” can be simply defined as “what we do.” The curriculum is the foundation for teaching and gives direction to our program. It is based on carefully planned units of study or “themes.” Teachers meet monthly to write, plan, and evaluate the curriculum. A variety of resources are used to create a balanced program of both teacher-directed and child-directed experiences.
Learning is fun. The teachers, the methods of teaching, and the curriculum reinforce and encourage a child’s ability to enjoy learning. Skills will be taught by using the child’s natural medium, which is play. Children are given the opportunity to use their imagination and creativity while in a challenging environment promoting socialization, exploration, and discovery.
The Day School promotes learning opportunities through the use of several activity areas including worship, music, foreign language, and creative movement.
Worship
Spiritual enrichment is a vital part of the Day School and is integrated naturally into each day’s activities for all age groups. Weekly worship services are held in the Chapel for Two-Year-Olds, Three-Year-Olds, Four-Year-Olds and Five-Year-Olds. Parents are invited to attend these services.
Music
Music is a very important part of every school day. Musical experiences within the classrooms include listening to records, using musical instruments, singing and learning songs, creating new songs, and singing games. In addition, the music teacher provides special musical training in weekly classes. The music teacher emphasizes the enjoyment and appreciation of music, learning to hear tones, understanding and differentiating between shouting, whispering, talking, as well as singing and experiencing movement and rhythm.
Spanish
Research has shown that pre-school-age children are able to learn a second language much more easily than at any other time in their lives. Exposure to a second language early in life may also improve a child’s proficiency in other areas such as math, music and science. Additionally, the Spanish language is fast becoming the unofficial second language of the United States. For these reasons, classes in Spanish language and Hispanic culture are part of the curriculum for our Three, Four and Five-Year-Olds. The children will learn age-appropriate Spanish phrases and fundamentals such as counting and colors. The five senses will be employed in a fun, stimulating and exciting manner to teach the language during weekly classes. Information is occasionally sent home so that parents may reinforce concepts and vocabulary.
PEP - Physical Education for Preschoolers
PEP provides an opportunity for productive use of a child’s energy and for the development of large muscle groups through movement. The physical activities involve rhythm, balance, tumbling, creative dance, dramatics and physical skills. Students have weekly training in age-appropriate physical skills such as hopping, skipping and gymnastics.
Science/Social Studies
