Activities will be based upon age and geared towards developmental levels of individual children. Family childcare often provides a mixed age of children. I will offer activities that are appropriate for all ages. I believe that having a classroom with mixed ages offers children the opportunity to build self-confidence by being an "older brother or sister" to smaller children. These experiences contribute to the growth of self-motivated, independent learners. I will introduce new material to the environment to promote learning through play. Activities will include arts and crafts, sensory, music and movement, pre-reading and math skills, outdoor play and dramatic play. Your child's day will consist of active and quiet times. Television will be used to supplement your child's day, only appropriate material will be used and TV time will never exceed one hour in any given day.
We will go outside every day possible. It's important for kids to get fresh air and be able to get exercise. Please bring your child dressed appropriately and remember to bring proper outerwear.
Every child under the age of 5, who are cared for more than 4 hours will be provided with rest or naptime. Sleeping bags are to be provided by the parent and are to be taken home weekly to be washed. A playpen is provided for children less than 1 year of age.
Program goals:
- To develop a positive self-concept and view self as worthwhile.
- To develop a curiosity about the world.
- To develop sensory exploration skills.
- To develop pro-social behavior.
- To value own right as well as rights of others.
- To develop language skills, both listening and speaking.
- To develop fine-motor skills
- To develop gross-motor skills.
- To develop problem solving skills.
Weekly Theme
The weekly themes can be animals, trees, flowers or any subjects such as sports or games etc... There will also be a color for the week that will relate to the theme. Children will be encouraged to bring show and tell items each week from home that closely reflects the theme to share with the group.
Reading Corner
We read a wide variety of books that promote basic comprehension to fun and excitement. The content teaches about animals, nature, numbers, friendship, diversity, understanding others, manners, right from wrong (basic morals) and tolerance.
Children are encouraged to pick out books to read. On occasion we may ask children to bring their own favorite book from home to share with the others.
While reading the story we work on letters of the alphabet, and the sounds each letter makes. We work on identifying numbers and objects and naming them. For older children we also look at basic words, how they're spelled, talk about what the stories mean to us, and what we can learn from them.
Nature Science
Each spring the group plants a flower garden as well as a vegetable garden. We keep a diary with pictures to document the growth. When the flowers are ready, we make fresh bouquets and dry some flowers out. When the vegetable garden is ready, we use what we harvest in our daily lunch menu. Documenting each stage of growth through to consumption is a great way for children to understand the best way to use our natural resources.
Arts, Crafts and Drawing
Pencils, Colored pencils, markers, crayons, finger paints, water color are used when exploring our creative drawing and coloring arts. Crafts have an emphasis on promoting fine motor skills and creative thinking. We incorporate natural items found in our outdoor play area and nature walks into our original crafts. Taking photos and framing them, using construction paper.
Music Exploration
I have been playing musical instruments for over 28 years with a strong background on guitar, percussion and bass. Your children learn age appropriate songs with my accompaniment on guitar. We also have a wide variety of instruments for children to explore with. Our goal is for children to learn fun songs as a group, learn a sense of timing and as age permits, group guitar lessons.
Motion and Exercise
Will help enhance fine to large motor skills and a sense of timing. This is also part of our exercise program. A body and mind in motion stay in motion.
Creative Thinking
This includes dress up, making our own costumes and acting. We think of it as an Imagination Station. Age appropriate children help to make up new characters and develop a story line that we then will make into children's books.
Indoor Playtime
This is time for children to play as an individual or as a group. This is a very important time for children to develop social skills. We have many toys and puzzles that encourage different levels of skills, creativity and troubleshooting. We also have toys that are just plain fun to play with. Toward the end of this playtime, the children will do a little housekeeping and put the toys back in their appropriate place.
Outdoor Playtime
We have a very safe fenced in back yard with a play system for children to enjoy. Swings, a covered platform area that leads to the slide, sandbox and a smaller plastic slide are always available. We play kickball, tee ball, parachute games for developing large motor skills and teamwork.
