Pre-School Handbook
Philosophy
Our philosophy centers on the importance of play. Through play, a child expresses his/her thoughts or feelings. It is an opportunity for children to develop social and cooperative skills. Through pretend play, children explore different roles that help them understand the world around them. Giving children the opportunity to talk to each other allows them to rethink ideas and to reach a better level of understanding.
Play is a child's most useful tool for preparing him/herself for the future and its tasks. It allows children to create their own logic at their own pace. Concrete thought patterns change to abstract thought patterns. Children begin to make sense of their own world by interacting with and transforming it, combining both mental and physical action. On the physical level, children develop gross and fine motor skills. Physical activity also provides an outlet from the day-to-day tasks.
Our program is also based on the integration of all developmental levels. While children have time to play freely at their own pace, there is also a time for structure. This maintains the predictable day needed for children this age. Learning centers are a part of the curriculum. Centers, along with visuals, are changed periodically to maintain a classroom environment that instills curiosity and a desire to learn.
Whole language is an integrated part of the program. The classroom is a whole environment in which children are exposed to language in both written and spoken form. There is an emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Words and letters for children to hear and say stimulate the classroom. Children are strongly encouraged to develop a love for books and reading. Reading is made exciting and fun. Our roles as teachers are to serve as communication models, good listeners, speakers, and readers.
Every day we strive to follow a consistent schedule since it is important that the children feel comfortable and have a sense of stability away from home.
To Our Parents
- We want you to know, to understand, and to discuss with us our goals.
- We want you to look often into our busy, happy, noisy, creative classrooms and see your child at play.
- We want you to realize the validity of that play and the importance of what is being learned.
- Parents and teacher together can help your child develop his or her full human potential.
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Have A Happy Year!
