The Pre Kindergarten program at the Little Playhouse can be divided into three main components: The Learning Environment, Interactions, and Supplemental Learning Activities.
The Learning Environment
The learning environment is the core of the curriculum. I have taken great care in creating an environment that not only supports a child’s natural desire to learn and explore but also their sense of well-being. Upon walking in, the children are greeted by a cozy living room much like in their own homes. This creates a smooth transition from their homes into their “learning day”. Children are encouraged to read a book, cuddle on the sofa, meet with friends, watch an educational video, and/or eat their breakfast. The morning learning time meeting also takes place in the comfort of the living room. We then proceed to the classroom. Here, children are encouraged to manipulate the materials in creative fun ways. Children are able to make decisions on the activities that they will participate in and even create their own. The sky is the limit!
The classroom is designed to accommodate children of different abilities and skills from early preschool to kindergarten. All materials are accessible to children and are labeled for easy cleaning and limited dependency on the teacher. Many materials are provided to promote learning in the areas of Reading & Writing, Social Studies, Math, Science, Physical Development, Music and Art.
Interactions
Interactions with the children are always positive. Children are treated with the respect they deserve. .. after all, they are just little people. Children feel good about themselves when they know that their feelings and opinions are important and validated. Children are encouraged to share their experiences, feelings, and stories throughout the day. Through daily routines and interactions with other classmates, the children learn how to communicate appropriately with their friends, wait their turn, share, and foster meaningful friendships.
Supplemental Learning Activities
The following components are specifically used to prepare the children to enter Kindergarten in addition to the materials available for the children in the classroom.
Hooked on Phonics
This is an excellent curriculum that teaches children to read through phonics. I have successfully used this program with my youngest two children and countless other preschool children.
More.Starfall.com
New this year is the more.starfall.com curriculum. This curriculum was developed for kindergarten children. However, I will be adapting this curriculum for use with the pre kindergarten children..
Click on bear for catalog.
Starfall is a Reading/Language Arts curriculum that is magical, creative, sequential, integrated, and combines content area instruction in Social Studies and Science - that's kindergarten, the Starfall Way.
Preschool Themes
Some of the preschool themes that we will be exploring this year are: weather & seasons, animals, dinosaurs, at the farm, community workers, five senses, harvest, and many many more!
