As early childhood educators we realize that the primary task
of the young child is socialization. We want them to become comfortable in cooperative
play, so that they can develop the skills necessary to learn and work in a group. To
achieve these goals, we teach in groups as well as individually. Because these are
learning years, a time when intelligence and character is developed, we want to give our
children as many new experiences as possible. Our materials encourage children to develop
all of their senses. Our lessons and activities include art, music, dramatic play,
science, math, social studies, computers, and cooking.
To encourage reading and math readiness, as well as the enjoyment of discovery,
we read aloud, make up stories, write down children's stories, weigh, measure, record,
sort, classify, . . . the list could go on and on. We listen to what our children are
saying! We combine phonics instruction with a whole language approach to learning. (The
whole language approach is based on the idea that children learn to read and write the
same way they learn to speak - from whole to part. The language processes of reading,
writing, speaking, and listening are integrated into the instruction.)
At Lake Shore Prep our Spanish teacher circulates from classroom to classroom
every day, starting with our youngest preschoolers. The teaching is done through song,
story, and games in keeping with our Piaget tradition. As far as the children are
concerned, they're just having fun!
To encourage physical development, we have a wealth of materials available for
the children in each of our two gyms and both of our beautiful playgrounds are full of
laughing, happy children. The children have gym class daily and enjoy the playground in
both the morning and afternoon. During Summer Camp, the outdoor swimming pool and tennis
courts are used. We also offer creative movement and dance activities. To develop fine
motor skills we cut, build, use peg boards, string beads, as well as using other
manipulatives.
Music is an integral part of our curriculum. All of our classes include music in
some form on most of the weekly lesson plans.
