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About Us - Academic Program
Academic Prep Program
The academic prep starts in the preschool program and will progress through each age group and each child's delopmental level, and abilities. We will begin to teach numbers, shapes, colors, letters, then move on to the sounds of the letters, pre math skills, pre literacy skills, science and social studies skills. The children will write in journals daily (They may start with pre writing scribbles but by the end of kindergarten they will be able to write about the pictures they create). In social studies we will teach about other cultures and countries along with what other kids do there for fun, including foods they may eat. With the lesson for the country, we will sample a food native to that area. In science we will use hands on materials to make the process more concrete and let the children feel the thrill of accomplishment. Each area of the Academic prep program has been outlined to give you an idea of what your child will learn when using this area.
- Language/Literacy Activities And The Language Rich Environment
We believe that the more children hear and participate in language, the better their vocabulary and use of language becomes. Because of this, our classrooms have lables on common items we use thorough out the day. This helps them reconize that the written word labeling items, means what they are associated with. Every morning at circle time the children will be able to participate in a chart where they will do a language activity associated with their weekly theme. Children will be given journal time every day to practice their writing and beginning writing skills.
Music is a great way for children to enjoy their use of language and we encorporate this into our curriculum by adding music to many portions of our day. This happens by adding educational songs that reenforce counting such as this old man, the ants go marching, and memory songs such as BINGO and HAPPY to our indoor free play times, along with other songs. In the art and sensory centers composers such as Bethoven, Bach or Mozart may be playing, and different styles of music to foster the childrens creative minds while they are creating master pieces or exploring with their senses. During movement or outdoor play time, the children may enjoy the kids favorite songs or kids bop collections to give them some dance and recreational music to enjoy and hear songs they may already be familiar with at home.
- Name Game
Each child will have their own name game bag that contains several ways for children to match letters from their name to match on a card. These activities help promote letter recognition and the children to correspond letters in a certain order to create their name.
- Math and Cognitive Development
At First Years Academy, we believe that a friendly introduction into math during the first years of life, will help the children enjoy the learning experience.
Our school follows the lessons in the "Count On Math" curriculum book which takes children from the basics of exploring materials that will be used to learn later math lessons. The curriculum works with children through several key math concepts and then branches through others to give them a strong start in later math learning. Math will consist of group, individual, free exploration and one on one experiences.
In the math and cognitive area is also several toys and manipulatives the children are able to use to further their thinking and problem solving skills.
- Block and Construction
In the math and cognitive area is also several toys and manipulatives the children are able to use to further their thinking and problem solving skills.
- Manipulatives and Fine Motor
In the math and cognitive area is also several toys and manipulatives the children are able to use to further their thinking and problem solving skills.
- Dramatic Play
In the math and cognitive area is also several toys and manipulatives the children are able to use to further their thinking and problem solving skills.
- Sensory Play
Our indoor sensory table may be filled with sand, water, dry pastas, gak, goop and so forth for the children to explore. This area can become messy so you are asked to send your child in ready to play in their play clothes.
- Outdoor Time
We try to go outside at least two times every day, even in snow and light rain. Our outdoor play areas will allow children to develop both gross and small motor skills along with having fun playing with their friends or alone. To foster gross motor development there are slides, swings, ride on toys and space to play group games or just run around. Fine motor activities are introduced by using the easle, chalk writing areas, and art activities at the picnic table areas. Sensory activities include the sand box area as well as water and sand tables. Fresh water is provided during all outdoor times to keep children well hydrated.
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