Early Childhood Learning at a Glance
Committed to teaching the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
Committed to teaching the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
The Early Childhood classroom environment will promote the interaction of children with materials, peers and trusted adults. Our programs will have a greater emphasis on parent involvement and will be child-centered and theme/play-based. Our programs will be a supportive, nurturing environment and will encourage social learning through classroom and community experiences.
Large Group Learning/Learning Centers vs. Free Choice Centers
Free Choice Centers, affectionately called play time by your child are areas of play designed by the teacher and chosen by your child. They have free reign of the room and can decide where they want to play, who they want to play with and how long they will play there. Children are encouraged to pick a center of their liking but are also to try all the centers and explore the room. Children are also discouraged from being a wanderer who goes from center to center without engaging in any constructive activity or with any peers
As the weeks progress, these centers are changed to adapt to our themes and areas of study. For example, the kitchen center may become an Animal Hospital, an Auto Shop or a Dinosaur Habitat- just to name a few.
During this time, appropriate social behaviors are taught and encouraged. Children learn to play with others, initiate interaction and learn to share and take turns. We practice assertiveness and problem solving. Children are not told what to do, but asked, "How do you think you can solve this problem?" Respect for others and our school tools and property is also modeled and reinforced.
Learning Centers/Large Group Learning is a focused learning activity where we practice, practice and practive more specific academic skills and learning benchmarks. We might be working on fine motor development (cutting or writing), sequencing, counting, letters or following multi-step directions. Learning centers change each week and are usually in small groups. Large Group Learning activities are different each day and are done individually. Our standards/benchmarks are age appropriate skills and will help your child become ready for Kindergarten!
You can see the standards we are teaching by clicking on PROGRAMS/CURRICULUM at the top and selecting the curriculum areas from the drop down menu. Our themes can also be found by clicking on PROGRAMS/CURRICULUM at the top and selecting Science and Technology.