Children are intelligent. They learn from the world around them by observing and exploring. Core Knowledge curriculum ensures that children are learning in all aspects needed for their proper development, intellectually and well as socially.
Children are very observant and quick learners. By the time children have reached ages 3 and 4 they have learned to talk and can communicate their needs and wants clearly. They know the sounds required for words. Therefore the next step is matching those sounds to symbols or letters. Readily they grasp this transition. We continue on by blending the sounds of the letters to make words. Learning to read flows naturally using phonemic methods. They love realizing the letters match those sounds and make words that they use in their world. It’s a fun connection for them, not hard work. Learning to read is easy. It is exciting to hear the children reading over 250 one-vowel words before they enter Kindergarten. This practice of sounding out the letters of words, (rather than trying to guess from pictures) gives them confidence in their newfound abilities and a very strong foundation of reading skills.
Our visual arts program focuses not only on the children creating their own masterpieces, also in examining and studying the details of paintings and drawing from various artists. Children delight in creating their artwork using different techniques and mediums. Large framed prints from classical artists are hung the in halls for children to see daily. Realistic art displays the beauty and enjoyment in the real world and abstract art lets the children know what they draw or paint is okay.
Number recognition and math awareness is developed in the children by using manipulatives and the Saxon Math program. Children learn while they are “playing” with manipulatives. Solid math skills are established such as matching numbers to the amount of objects; addition and subtraction story problems with teddy bear counters, algebra concepts are introduced with linking cubes patterns and geometry with patterning blocks.
Music is a joy and is also key to learning about many subjects.
Talk On April 28, 2008
Tags: comments, kids
In January, we talked about the New Year. We counted down the New Year and jumped on bubble wrap. What a fun way bring the New Year in with a loud bang. The children went outside in the snow and made snow angles. Walter was so cold he said: He was going to turn blue. In February we talked about Valentines and community helpers. Our children mailed home valentines and learned how the mail system operates. Benj said he received his card and was so excited, because it was the first letter the mailman brought for him in the mail. In March as we talked about transportation, we discussed the kinds of cars their parents drove and about trucks and buses. Walter said that his family drove a big bus car that was white. I said that it was a white SUV and he was mad that it wasn’t a bus. In April, we talked about the different kinds of animals. One of the cute things Cassidy said was that she had animals at home and that they were her brothers.