|
The early
preschool years are child-centered and
filled with materials that encourage
children to explore. Teachers work
closely with each child to ensure that
his or her interaction with the
materials is both satisfying and
challenging. The curriculum is
organized around themes of topics and
emphasizes on the children learning how
to do things. There is a balance of
individual work, whole group activities,
and small group lessons within a
supportive, nurturing environment. Our
Preschool Prep Program is an
introduction to learning basic academic
concepts.
Reading and Language Arts
As the children
become accustomed to the new social
setting of school, they begin to
understand the necessity, power and
pleasure of communication. Our Reading
and Language Arts Units are
play-centered which supports the
children in their individual language
development. An appreciation and love
for books and reading is developed at
story and circle time through books,
story telling, and songs. Vocabulary
development, listening and speaking
skills are also practiced daily.
Mathematics
Children
develop beginning number concepts by
interacting with a wide variety of
materials. The Math Unit is exploratory
and encourages hands-on experience
through the use of math manipulative
materials and games. Teachers work
closely with the children as they
explore and guide them to expand their
thinking.
Science
Understanding of the natural and
physical world is broadened through
investigations of science topics. The
Science Unit allows the children to
engage in exploration using all of their
senses for experiments, observations,
and discussions.
Social
Studies
The
Social Studies Unit will work with the
children on becoming more independent,
learning to share, being able to ask for
what they want and learning to be
interested in others. Emphasis is
placed on respect for others, an
appreciation of cultural differences,
and a strong sense of community. The
children are ready to begin thinking
about other people, and how they are the
same and different.
Spanish
We at CrossRoads
Child Development Center feel that due
to the increasing bilingual population,
an introduction to Spanish encourages an
appreciation and understanding about
this culture. The children learn
colors, numbers, shapes and
family-related words through interactive
songs and games. Spanish lessons are
linked to ongoing classroom curriculum
when appropriate.
American
Sign Language
Children express and communicate in
different ways. CrossRoads offers
another form in which they can learn to
express themselves using American Sign
Language. The children will have an
American Sign Language class once a
week. During this time they learn signs
that tie with their lessons that week,
along with learning how to sign songs
and play games using American Sign
Language.
Music
The children are
given the opportunity to express
themselves daily through music,
movement, speech, and song. Fine and
gross motor skills are developed with
the use of manipulatives and equipment.
Once a week the children will
participate in two focused music
classes. One class will further the
children’s exploration of the week’s
themes. The second music class is a
Christian music class that ties with
their weekly Bible lesson.
Physical
Education
Through
daily movement and physical activities
we support the children’s physical
growth and development. The children
learn how to play together while
participating in structured lessons and
developing teamwork.
Art
The children express
their feelings, emotions, and thoughts
through daily art projects and
activities. They will use a wide range
of art media and techniques to create
expressive artwork. Art projects are
often tied to the classroom curriculum.
Bible
The children will
learn and understand that God loves them
daily. Once a week the children will
have a Bible lesson. There are two
portions of the Bible curriculum
throughout the year, The Old Testament
and The New Testament. The Old
Testament Unit introduces the children
to God’s greatness and plan. The New
Testament Unit guides children to become
Jesus’ friends.
|
