Preschool Program - 2½ to 4
Our preschool program has been developed to ensure positive early experiences with school in order to create positive attitudes towards learning. Our goal is for the children to see themselves as learners, which is accomplished in an atmosphere of cooperation and belonging, and where a sense of feeling capable and courageous can grow.
Opportunities are created for learning through inquiry and play, by participating in experiences designed for the development of literacy and for knowledge and skills in math and science. The activities in our program accommodate the changing needs and interests of the children, and will allow each child to have chances to direct their learning towards their own interests. The daily schedule is set to ensure a respect for order and a sense of belongingness to the group. It includes large and small group time and one-on-one time with the teacher.
Daily Schedule Includes:
Connection Time
As children arrive the teacher greets them individually teaching competency with undressing and responsibility with stowing belongings. Children are then invited to an activity area. This is a time for children to mingle, cooperate and chat with their friends, so that when class starts they will be better able to sit, listen, and participate positively through their contributions to the group. Our teachers are specially trained in helping children to connect with one another and we believe this is an extremely important and valuable part of our daily routine.
Circle Time
Our circle time is rich in language and is a time to introduce curriculum, new concepts, skills and ideas to the group. This is a participatory time where children develop listening skills and practice their oral communication skills in a very encouraging atmosphere. This time also helps to connect the group by all coming together, allowing us to enjoy each other and learn together. Topics include; calendar, weather, letters, numbers, math, colours, singing, music, stories and finger plays. The day begins and ends with circle time.
Learning Centres and Free Play
Children break into small groups for independent play at their choice of learning centres. This is a time for socialization when speaking up and listening is encouraged. It is a time for learning empathy, cooperation, taking turns, sharing and caring. This is also a time for the teacher to work individually with the children, allowing her to assess their needs and extend their learning opportunities. Some of the activities are puzzles, blocks, manipulatives, family centre, drama and dress-up, creating with paint, glue, play dough and other craft and sensory materials. These activities increase cognitive development and fine motor skills. Teachers encourage the idea that working together is fun and the children learn a feeling of usefulness and importance by contributing to the class. Teachers use encouragement and appreciation to develop the child’s self-motivation to work together for problem solving and tidy up before moving on to another activity.
Snack
Responsibility and capability are promoted by having the children choose snack jobs. Children learn the importance of their contributions to the group as well as team work to complete a task. Children learn to serve themselves and one another including passing plates, pouring drinks and wiping up a spill. Children are taught that mistakes are natural and are encouraged to keep trying in an atmosphere of acceptance and encouragement. Snack is a social time and teachers instigate conversation to develop a sense of social belonging. Snack is provided by the centre and is always nutritious.
Gym Time
Children move to the gym for the development of gross motor skills. Activities vary from movement and music to dramatic play to free or teacher led cooperative games.
Home Time and/or Lunch Time
We take the time to teach specific skills and then children will have the opportunity to be self- sufficient and capable with coats, mitts, hats and boots.
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Contact us! Phone: 416-544-0133 Fax: 416-544-0437 Email: early.years@bellnet.ca