PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

Art: 

An art activity is available daily for the children. Art projects prompt children to express their thoughts and emotions in a non-verbal manner, to problem solve, try new things, and develop eye/hand coordination. In addition to a daily art activity, our easels are always available to the children.

Block Building: 

Blocks have a natural appeal as well as an educational value for children. By building with blocks, children use their imagination, develop hand-eye coordination, motor skills, shape recognition, and balance. Building helps children begin to learn the relationship of size and parts.

Books and Language: 

Literature is an integral part of the preschool experience, and being read to is an essential step in developing a child’s desire and ability to read and write. The teacher and parents read regularly to the whole class, small groups and to individual children. There is a quiet area where the children have easy access to a variety of books, which they may check out and read at home. Together we will create many class books that the children will share with their families. Through the use of our flannel board, puppets, and magnet board, the children will be encouraged to create their own narrative.

Dramatic Play: 

Children grow through self-expression, and dramatic play allows them to act out their thoughts and express their feelings. Children will come up with their own ideas for creative dramatic play activities, and through these experiences explore their curiosities and make sense of the world around them. Our play kitchen, baby dolls and dress-up clothes encourage dramatic play.

Gross Motor Activities: 

Through gross motor activities, children develop large muscles, become more comfortable with their own bodies and develop a concept of space. They have an opportunity for this type of play indoors and outside.

Music: 

Music is an important part of our day. Not only do we have fun dancing and singing, but the children are developing many parts of their bodies. While dancing, children are learning to develop and control both listening skills and physical movements. Listening to music helps children develop pathways in their brains to improve math, language, and thinking skills. We use scarves, rhythm sticks, musical instruments, and various types of music to assist the children in this area.

Sensory Table: 

Playing in various sensory materials (rice, beans, water, corn, pom poms) help children develop their minds and bodies in a relaxing and enjoyable way. They learn concepts such as measurement, space, quantity and relative size.

Table Activities: 

We have many activities and games that develop fine motor, reading and math skills. These include puzzles, shape sorters, pattern blocks, 10 frames, peg boards, and other manipulative toys.