PRE-PRIMARY Framework for Learning 2013-2014
PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM !
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Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten There are many pre-school programs that address ways that three- and four-year-old children learn best. At Allendale Columbia School, our philosophy is to respond to the individual developmental needs of each child based on a healthy blend of these research-based programs. With our low student-teacher ratio, teachers get to know their students very well and offer opportunities and experiences that provide strong readiness skills, cooperative play development, and a curious and joyful love of learning. Our certified and richly-experienced teaching staff truly understands the complex developmental stage of this age and, more importantly, loves working with our youngest students. Because our Pre-Primary School is part of an N-12 institution, our nursery and pre-kindergarten teachers have the resources and collegial relationships to build a program that is the foundation of what is to come for their students, as well as one that is comprehensive and inspiring. Pre-Primary teachers often work with the school psychologist, the reading specialist, the speech pathologist, the enrichment specialist, and the math specialist to support students in their program. Additionally, “specials� classes begin in nursery with library, music, computer, art, and physical education, so students are exposed to a variety of specialist teachers throughout the week. Classroom teachers work collaboratively with specialists to create interdisciplinary, thematic-based units of study. These units offer students rich, vivid connections to the world around them. A large, safe, and sensory rich classroom houses the Pre-Primary School. Packed with creative learning centers, students take an active role in choosing and planning their own morning activities. Throughout the day, students engage in teacher directed activities, as well, that build skills in reading readiness, number concepts, language development, and large and small motor development. Life skills are built into the everyday curriculum. Children learn how to work and play together, make friends, use appropriate and respectful words and tone of voice, display user-friendly body language, express feelings in words, take turns, and share. Pre-Primary students may take advantage of early morning child care and enroll in after-school AC Encore classes. Rainbow Room, our after-school child care program, is also available to Pre-Primary children.
Allendale Columbia Pre-Primary School Curriculum
PRE-PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM ! Here are some of the key concepts that are developed in the Pre-Primary School Framework for Learning: Global Awareness: Community Service Around the World Theme/Guest Speakers Holidays and Traditions Participation in Cross-Divisional Activities Field Trips (Pre-Kindergarten) Holiday Breakfast Strawberry Breakfast Collaboration: Second Grade Poetry Unit Stories/Reading by Students in Other Grades Morning Room, Rainbow Room, AC Encore Hop-A-Thon Easter Egg Hunt Assemblies/Concerts/Musicals Interdisciplinary: Pre-Kindergarten Dancing with the Scarves Fall Unit Pre-Kindergarten Garden Unit Weekly Specials: PE, Music, Library, Computer, Art, Reading Stars, Relaxation Group
Creative Movement Investigations: Self-Portraits Planning and Work time Sharing All About Me Me and My Classroom Theme Related Items Thankful Quilt Squares Creative Representations Parent Involvement/Family Opportunities: Fathers’ Lunch Snack and Story Color Days Pumpkin Night Ice Cream Night Mothers’ Tea Parent Liaisons Class Parties Conferences Daily Communication with Parents Reading Workshop:
Economic Literacy: Community Helpers: Grocery Store Needs vs. Wants Introduction to Coins and Bills
Reading Stars Reading Enrichment Individualized Instruction Assessment:
Foundations: Student/Teacher Ratio Allows Frequent One-On-One Work Label in the Classroom High Scope Based Philosophy Letter of the Week Calendar Circle Time Projects/Activities/Crafts Games, Songs, and Stories
Observations Projects Language Experience Charts Mini-Evaluations Narratives Technology: Digital Cameras for Photography and Videography iPads Interactive Learning on Flat Screen
Allendale Columbia Pre-Primary School Curriculum
First here, then anywhere. 519 Allens Creek Road | Rochester, NY 14618 | 585.381.4560 | AllendaleColumbia.org Now well into its second century, Allendale Columbia is a leading independent co-ed college prep school for students in nursery through grade 12. Here, learning goes far beyond books and tests. We have the freedom to dig deeper so students can question more, discuss, debate, and question again. As a result, our students develop critical thinking skills and become effective problem solvers. Our faculty members use their independence and experience to connect knowledge to real life so our students can make more sense of the world–and their place in it. It all adds up to a different school of thought: high expectations and relevant experiences that prepare students to succeed in a global community.