NURSERY AND PRE- KG CURRICULUM SUMMARY
This program has interactive learning experiences focused on a particular topic, idea, theme, etc. that affords students the opportunity to build connection and relationships. Students socialize, play and grow with one another. It is also flexible and creates a favorable environment for learning and personal growth. Students are also motivated and encouraged to develop personalize skills, attitudes, and knowledge to lay a good foundation for further participation in higher total School Program.
KG1 (AGES 2.11+) CURRICULUM SUMMARY
This is a thematically organized structured play program with the opportunity for daily activities to socialize, play and grow with other children. Daily activities are planned in a safe nurturing environment rich in language, constructive play, active exploration and social interaction. Three years-old students enrolled in the KG1 program attend school from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
One of our overall goals in KG1 is the development of language skills in English. Students, through the use of themes and learning corners, learn about their environment. Students listen to and discuss story books. Our other goals also include socialization. We continue to develop fine motor skills through art, craft and music and preliminary crayon and pencil activities whilst gross motor skills are further developed through gymnastics and movement. The class has its own teacher and an assistant teacher. She guides and facilitates the children’s learning. Children are encouraged to work in large and small groups, as well as independently.
KG2 (AGES 3.11+) CURRICULUM SUMMARY
This class is effectively the beginning of our full academic program. The children are taught using an integrated day approach. The main goal of the Early Childhood JIS program is to give the children a better command of the oral language as the basis for thinking, pre-writing, and pre-reading. It builds on, improves, and increases the knowledge skills that children bring to school. It promotes an appreciation of the similarities and differences among people. It incorporates active learning through body movement activities, manipulation of learning materials, and interaction with others. Our other goal also includes socialization. Learning will be done in an entertaining way in active learning situations so that the children develop fine motor control, comprehension, vocabulary, knowledge of English language and culture through stories, physical exercise, songs and traditional games. Four years-old students enrolled in the KG2 program attend school from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Children are encouraged to work in large and small groups, as well as independently. They are introduced to and involved with pre-reading and pre-writing activities which will lead them into becoming readers and writers. As well some pre-number activities with sorting, counting and matching activities form the foundation for future mathematical work. Daily activities incorporate P.E., art, and structured learning activities. The Teacher guides and facilitates the children’s learning. The class has its own teacher and an assistant teacher.
English/Language Arts
Reading and writing skills are taught through themes, and generally, a new letter is learned each week. Letter names and sounds are taught so that the children are able to use a phonemic approach to reading and writing.
Math
The curriculum is designed to develop preschool children’s early mathematical knowledge through large and small group and individual activities. It uses manipulative and print material. This curriculum embeds mathematical learning in children’s daily activities; ranging from designated math activities to circle and story time, with the goal of helping children relate their informal math knowledge to more formal mathematical concepts.
Science
The program is based on children’s natural curiosity to understand what happens in the world around them. The program is implemented through the use of themes and learning corners. Children are encouraged to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking skills while engaging in hands-on activities. They have the opportunity to relate what they have discovered in the past to what they are observing in the present. They try to find possible solutions to the questions presented instead of definite answers.
Social Studies
The curriculum helps the child see him/herself in a variety of roles—individual, part of a family, a student in school, and a member of a community. This is accomplished through active, thematic learning. The students will develop an understanding of peer group relationships and will participate in activities to develop the skills necessary for working and interacting with others. They will participate in activities which will make them become aware of the variety of cultures and how these cultures are alike and how they are different.
Art
The course is designed to offer children many opportunities to create art in their own ways. This is done simply by making materials available, keeping them interesting and, at times, presenting questions or activities designed to stimulate children’s ideas. Emphasis is placed upon the child’s physical and mental development and upon the creative process rather than upon the finished product. Through growth and experience, the child will gain a great deal of physical knowledge and will be able to handle tools and materials with considerable skill.