Curriculum
The importance of play
“There are no greater natural scientists and engineers then young children. Inquisitive learners who learn STEAM concepts through play. High quality early learning environments provide children with the structure in which to build upon their natural inclination to explore, to build, and to question.” Once again it comes down to letting the children play! (JD Chesloff shared by Rae Pica in “What, Teaching STEM in Preschool, Really?“)
Children can learn so much when there are opportunities to use the world around them in every way.
- Language Arts: There are a variety of materials and learning centers in Language Arts to learn new vocabulary and provide children with opportunities to share their stories.
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Science): Some STEAM lessons include volcanoes and includes building with clay, dirt, and rocks, and erupting to learn chemical reactions with baking soda and vinegar, and learning through play and picture books to increase vocabulary and knowledge. Children play with paper mache to design artistically a group volcano, and then paint one of their own versions. Measuring, flow of gravity and the mixing of different properties are all part of the scientific process. Experiments to extend this have included making megaphones to teach amplification, and making sounds that volcanoes could create. Problem solving is very much apart of this play. STEAM helps children to explore, observe, ask questions, predict, integrate their learning…
- Nature, Art, Dramatic Play, and Cooking are also lessons to build self-esteem, encourage acceptance of others (diversity), and an appreciation for resources in the environment and the opportunity to explore the larger world in which we live.
- Many opportunities for music enrichment are available in the program. Lisa plays guitar and teaches musical concepts such as rhythm, tone, and solfege. We march, skip, dance, march, and hop! Many finger plays, also, encourage children's language skills as well as counting ability.
- Family is an important value in this program, and the connection between home and school is highly recognized. Parent and school partnership provides consistency of care and mutual respect for each child’s family culture. The diversity of families is respected and sharing talents and traditions is encouraged. Parent participation can enhance the program and give children a sense of connection.
- Teachers will use the California Learning Foundations to assess children’s development. Teachers will encourage safe and healthy practices such as hand washing routines, healthy habits during snack and meal time, and sanitary bathroom practices. Teachers will supervise children indoors and outdoors and follow all safety guidelines.
The importance of play
“There are no greater natural scientists and engineers then young children. Inquisitive learners who learn STEAM concepts through play. High quality early learning environments provide children with the structure in which to build upon their natural inclination to explore, to build, and to question.” Once again it comes down to letting the children play! (JD Chesloff shared by Rae Pica in “What, Teaching STEM in Preschool, Really?“)
Children can learn so much when there are opportunities to use the world around them in every way.