| General Curriculum |
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Since children learn through play, we plan our indoor and outdoor time to encourage this activity. Through play children re-enact experiences, try out different roles, express ideas, develop vocabulary, process information and widen their view of the world and how they relate to one and other. Children learn by doing, so we provide first-hand experience as a basis for expanding knowledge about our physical world. We believe that adults facilitate learning by discussing with the children what they see, hear, smell, taste, touch and feel, helping them to increased understanding. To this end there are times during the day when teachers direct group discussions and introduce concepts and learning experiences. Knowing that children learn from what adults do, we model the behavior we want to encourage. We strive to show understanding and respect for each person and use words to express needs and feelings. We try to learn from mistakes instead of labeling them as failures. The Wonder Years Academy believes that growth and development happen best in a supportive, safe, orderly environment where rules, limits, expectations and plans are clearly defined. We strive to be clear, consistent and predictable in these areas. SPECIFIC AREAS OF CURRICULUM PUZZLES, BEADS, PEGS, SMALL TABLE TOYS These activities allow for eye-hand coordination, small muscle development, learning colors and sizes, space relationship. PLAY DOUGH, FINGER PAINT These activities allow for sensory experience, small muscle manipulation, tensional outlet and an opportunity for self expression. CUTTING, PASTING, CRAYON, EASEL PAINTING CHALK, COLLAGE & CREATIVE ARTS Small muscle activity, opportunity for self-expression, experience with color, shape & texture. BLOCK PLAY, TRUCKS, TRAINS, ACCESSORY TOYS HOUSEKEEPING CENTER Offers dramatic play and imaginative expression, emotional outlet, social interaction and the opportunity to act out life experiences and express feelings. STORYTELLING/CIRCLE TIME The opportunity for quiet, restful activity, learning to listen, appreciation of books, vocabulary and speech development, discussion of concepts and the practice of problem solving. MUSIC, DANCE, SINGING, RHYTHM Awareness of different sounds and rhythms, appreciation of songs, vocabulary and speech development, body awareness and large muscle development. NATURE OBSERVATION, ANIMALS, PLANTING, SCIENCE Development of natural curiosity of the living world around us. Gain of understanding cause and effect. CLEAN UP TIME Teaching responsibility, orderliness and cooperation. Instills self satisfaction in helping others to accomplish a common goal with team work. TOILET TRAINING/HAND WASHING Practice and learning of importance of good health habits, experience of self-direction. SAND PLAY Sensory experience, opportunity for solitary play, parallel and/or cooperative play. JUNGLE GYM/CLIMBING EQUIPMENT Large muscle activity, development of balance, coordination. WAGONS/PUSH TOYS/RIDE-ONS Large muscle activity, opportunity for social growth, motor skill development and coordination builder. Introduction to early safety education. COOKING/FOOD PREPARATION Social activity, promotes listening to and following of direction, basic arithmetic, science, cause and effect, and snack time! Many areas listed will overlap, of course. This is just a general list to draw from and add to. |