Program Goals
Philosophy
We are dedicated to the philosophy that young children grow in an orderly and sequential manner with predictable stages of development. We recognize that each child is unique and accept children at their current stage of development. It is our intention to nurture the development of the whole child—physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual growth.
The program shall provide each child with age appropriate experiences, which will encourage:
1. Self-esteem and positive self-image
2. Social interaction
3. Self-expression and communication skills
4. Creative expression
5. Large and small muscle development
6. Intellectual growth
7. Spiritual development
The program schedule shall be planned to provide a flexible balance of:
1. Active and quiet activities
2. Individual and group activities
3. Indoor and weather permitting outdoor activities
The thematic approach is used for curriculum development at St. John’s Day School. Thematic teaching enhances learning by allowing children to make connections between the various experiences during a school day.
Themes may include the following:
Family, Animals, Shapes, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Seasons, Colors, Holidays, Weather, Farm/Harvest, Plants/seed, Five Senses
Reading Readiness
1. Speak and express ideas in a social group by asking questions, retelling stories, role playing, and participating in creative dramatics.
2. Follows two directions.
3. Listens to short stories and simple poems, develop a love for books.
4. Begins to develop eye-hand coordination.
5. Engages in simple conversation using four to six words sentences.
6. Recognizes first name.
7. Holds crayon correctly, uses lower case letters.
8. Visual and auditory memory.
9. Tells full name, age and gender.
10. Recognizes letters.
Math
1. Points to and labels shapes.
2. Matches shapes.
3. Classifies objects into two given categories (size, shape or color).
4. Matches sets containing 10 objects.
5. Understands concepts of full and empty.
6. Rote counts to 10.
7. Familiar with calendar.
Science
1. Find out about the world in which we live.
2. Understands there are many kinds of animals and that they move and live in different ways.
3. Understands most plants make seeds for new plants
4. Learning through doing.
Art
1. Art gives children the chance to use their imagination, to express their individuality, and to be creative while having fun.
2. Introduction to:
a. Cutting and scissors safety
b. Crayons, markers, pencils, and watercolors
c. Painting: finger, sponge, marble, straw, prints, and easels
3. Stimulate CREATIVITY
Play
1. The child will be provided with plenty of opportunities for play.
2. Children will be able to chose what they want to plan and with whom.
3. Child development shall be fostered through selection of a variety of equipment
a. Provide for large muscle development
b. Provide for construction activities and for the development of manipulative skills
c. Encourage social interaction
d. Provide for intellectual stimulation
e. Encourage creative expression
Music and Movement
1. Learn songs that are related to religion stories and unit studies
2. Introduction to instruments
3. Play simple rhythm and movement games
4. Participate, appreciate and enjoy music
5. Develop large muscle coordination
6. Develop good sportsmanship
7. Basic skills—jumping, running, hopping, and skipping
8. Increasing overall physical fitness
9. Move creatively to different types of music
Discipline
1. Children will learn to make appropriate choices and be accountable for their choices.
2. Teachers will talk with children about inappropriate behavior and discuss alternatives.
3. Time out will be used at the discretion of the individual teachers.
4. Parents may be asked for a conference to discuss chronic discipline problems.
5. The school has the right to terminate the enrollment of any child that hinders the learning and safety of other children.
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