The Pre-School Programme
The approach in the Pre-School is informal and not worksheet-based. Small group teaching is facilitated throughout the day and through structured and free play, developing inquiries in the classroom and learning how to make connections to the curriculum without being dominated by it. This aims to provide a vibrant learning experience for our children. Encouraging higher-order thinking through constant questioning in this setting, enables discovery-based learning where our boys and girls develop the abiity to “think about their thinking”.
Work is done in small groups manipulating tactile objects which help the children to develop a good sense of number and an understanding of their true value. This is always done in a tranquil environment, ensuring that all the necessary numeracy concepts are covered during the year.
Our Literacy Programme includes songs, poetry, open discussions, storytime, rhymes, and weekly show and tell. These help the Pre-School children to cultivate strong communication skills which include listening and speaking skills as well as important pre-reading skills.
The Grade 0 Programme
Numeracy
Clifton embraces the NumberSense programme starting with Grade 0 (Chameleons & Frogs). All concepts are covered in a hands-on manner. It is important for children at this age to work with physical apparatus so that they fully understand each concept covered. Any encouragement and fun with numbers at home reinforces a love of numbers and inspires children to want to know more.
The various areas covered are:
Numbers, operations and relationships (including number recognition and formation, counting, as well as concepts like; odd and even, more and less).
Patterns and sequencing.
Shape, space and colour.
Measurement and data handling.
Literacy
Time2Read
Time2Read is a scientific, research-based methodology. Clifton introduced the programme in 2019 and it is now fully implemented in the Grade 0 curriculum. The focus is on effective instruction in reading and spelling, right from the beginning. Reading and spelling requires children to consciously think about the sounds in words, these sounds being represented by different letters/symbols in print. Children need to be explicitly trained to listen at the sound level of speech. Sound awareness is therefore key.
Our primary focus in the Pre-School is on developing phonemic awareness skills. Children begin to understand that sounds are little parts of words. These little parts of words can also be blended to make words. Auditory always precedes visual. Only after mastering the concept of sounds are children introduced to letters, the visual counterpart of sounds. Now, they are able to link abstract letters to something they already know; sounds. In Grade 0 we learn all 26 sound symbols. These are taught in context, through word building and blending.
Reading
Please read to your children as often as possible.
This is so important for their academic and emotional growth. Developing a love of books and a healthy attitude towards reading is an enriching experience at any age. Snuggling up with a loved one whilst reading is so comforting and emotionally bonding. Take time out to treasure these moments. Parents who read will motivate their children to read later in life. 2021 saw the introduction of “Our Own Little Library”, where the boys and girls choose a book to take home for reading each week.
Fine Motor and Pre-Writing Skills
We use a range of methods to develop these skills both inside and outside the classroom. We focus on teaching the correct pencil grip, manipulation of small objects and materials, as well as how to cut, colour and trace accurately.
Writing
Writing is an important skill and must be done correctly from the beginning, as children quickly form bad habits which can be very difficult to correct. For this reason, should your child be interested in writing, we would encourage you to assist your child with correct letter formation (in a low-key, fun way) not only for school purposes but also when your child wants to write just for pleasure. Please don’t use upper case letters when helping your child, rather use lower case lettering. It is also important to teach your child alphabet sounds rather than alphabet letter names, should they ask you about these. Letter names are not helpful when learning to read and can cause a great deal of confusion for your child.
Support
As part of our school support offering, our in-house support therapist, Miss Monique Langlois, spends time in the Pre-School classrooms assisting the children and teachers. Miss Monique Langlois takes small groups to facilitate learning.
Outdoor Learning
Our outdoor learning area is a hub of activity throughout the week. Boys and girls are encouraged to explore many concepts, incorporating numerous areas of learning which are strategically set up to entice and engage our children in fun and interactive opportunities.
