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CURRICULUM
 Our
curriculum is developed through teacher observation and evaluation of each child. Concepts
and skills are introduced which are appropriate to each child’s stage of development,
and which reinforce social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth. Concrete, hands-on
activities and experiences are planned according to a calendar of themes and units which
are relevant to the children, providing meaningful learning.
Based on the
theory that children learn through play, classroom routines encourage active involvement,
meaningful experimentation and reinforcement through repetition. Schedules are designed
which balance structure and free choice, as well as active and quiet times.
Daily activities
are designed to guide each child towards a better understanding of him/herself and toward
knowledge of how to get along with others. Our wide range of materials and activities
help children develop social, cognitive, physical and verbal skills. All activities are
planned with the child’s individual needs in mind and each is challenged appropriately.
Sensory, motor,
perceptual and language skills are introduced through materials and activities which are
both child-centered and teacher-directed. Work is planned which emphasizes the process
rather than the product, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride. Small World places
a strong focus on kindergarten readiness so that each child will be able to easily move
forward as they age out of our program.
| GEE,
ALL THOSE KIDS SEEM TO DO IS PLAY
Yes, children
here at SMALL WORLD do play a lot. During this time a lot is going on.
They
are:
•
meeting friends
•
playing with toys
•
exploring how things work
•
looking at books
•
listening to music
•
sharing
•
having different experiences in mostly child group situations
vs. a mostly adult situation
•
pouring and measuring in the sand box and water table
•
enjoying creative art experiences
•
developing and expanding their language abilities
•
having cooperative play experiences
•
learning to share
the adults’ attention
•
learning social skills needed to play games and make friends
•
building with
materials that may not be available at home
•
using “messy” art materials in a space provided for
experimentation
•
trying on different
personalities with different clothing
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becoming independent
•
comparing and contrasting different experiences
•
learning from
others while broadening their horizons |
| SAMPLE
OF DAILY SCHEDULE
Arrival:
Greeting of Families. Free play: children choose learning centers to play
in throughout the morning.
9:30
Clean-up time: activities and toys will be put away.
9:45
Circle activities.
10:15 Snack time.
10:45 Curriculum/Project Activities.
11:15 Outside play (weather permitting).
12:00 Lunch with small group conversation promoted.
1:00 Nap or quiet time on mats with quiet music.
3:00 Gradual wake-up and snuggle
3:15 Snack time
3:30 Free play outside/inside until departure
Children are involved in a wide range of activities that give
them the opportunity to learn, grow and enjoy themselves. Independence, self-confidence,
social, emotional, and physical growth are enhanced. Much time is devoted
to playing because we feel that this is the way in which young children learn
best.
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SO
YOU SEE, WHAT LOOKS LIKE PLAY IS REALLY HARD WORK!
We are closed for the following holidays:
New Year’s
Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Patriot’s Day, Memorial Day,
July 4th, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving and the day after,
Christmas and the day before or the day after depending on when it arrives.
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