Tots in Training Curriculum
Cost $35 per month for 4 days of school Wed morning froms 10:00-12:00
$35 registration fee to enroll
This class is full as of August 14th. If you would like to put your child's name on the waiting list, please give me a call. :) 965-2073
The Tots in Training curriculum incorporates the first steps necessary to prepare children for preschool, kindergarten and beyond! This program begins moving from childcare toward a more structured educational format in preparation for preschool as children expand their ability to sit and listen for longer periods of time.
Two-year-olds will participate in hands-on activities while learning how to solve problems by creating solutions - all by themselves! Working independently, participating in teacher-directed activities and as part of a group builds their confidence and self-esteem while fostering their ability to communicate their own likes and dislikes.
Main Objectives:
Social and Emotional
Self Concept
Demonstrates self-confidence
Shows some self-direction
Self Control
Follows simple classroom rules and routines with guidance
Uses classroom materials carefully
Manages transitions with undue stress
Relationships with Adults
Interacts with familiar adults
Relationships with Peers
Interacts with one or more children
Participates in the group life of the class
Shows empathy and caring for others
Social Problem-Solving
Seeks adult help when needed to resolve conflicts
Motor DevelopmentGross Motor DevelopmentMoves with some balance and controlJumps in place and off of low objectsAbility to stop and turn while runningWalks up and down stairs independently, using alternating feetJumps with both feet togetherAbility to walk on tiptoes for a short distanceAbility to ride a tricycle using the pedalsFine Motor DevelopmentUses strength and control to perform simple tasksUses eye-hand coordination to perform tasksAbility to pull apart large pop-it beads and put them together againUses one hand to turn the pages of a bookBuilds a tower of ten blocksAbility to use hand motions as in the song "Where is Thumbkin?"Self-Help Skills DevelopmentWashes and dries own handsAbility to pull shirt over their heads and put arms through sleevesAbility to pull their pants down and upAbility to feed themselves without help, using a spoon and often a fork
Language and Communication
Listening
Gains meaning by listening
Has ability to hear and discriminate the sounds of language
Shows appreciation for books and has the ability to sit still and listen to stories being read in group settings
Comprehends and responds appropriately to questions regarding stories read aloud
Speaking
Speaks clearly enough to be understood by most listeners
Vocabulary
Uses language with increasing clarity and order
Uses an expanded vocabulary to describe objects, actions, and events
Enjoys repeating songs and rhymes
Beginning to use rules of grammar in speech, using personal pronouns; plurals; and an increasing number of positional words
Conversation
Uses language to express needs and feelings, share experiences, and resolve problems
Initiates, asks questions, and responds to adults and peers in a variety of settings
Cognitive Development and General Knowledge
Exploration and Discovery
Increased ability to verbalize and/or respond to observations
Uses objects as tools for learning
Demonstrates a curiosity through play and by persistently asking "why"
Concept Development and Memory
Beginning to understand abstract concepts such as now and later, over and under
Demonstrates increased recall
Beginning to understand quantity
Sorts objects by color or size
Completes three-or four- piece puzzles
Participates in role-playing
Ability to relate current experiences to past experiences
Problem Solving and Creative Expression
Demonstrates trial-and-error approach in learning
Demonstrates the development of rhythm
Beginning to show an understanding of humor
Joining in or trying to sing songs and finger plays without encouragement
Demonstrates the ability to move in time with music
Creativity in the Classroom
Art:
Art for toddlers (ages 12-36 months) is an often misunderstood concept. Can the scribbles that two-year-old children create really be called art? Absolutely! Allowing a two year old to explore art materials and create something unique is an important part of child development. Scribbling can be hard work too – strengthening the muscles in the hand as the child holds tightly while scribbling. Holding a pencil, crayon etc, helps gain greater muscle control so fine motor skills are targeted.
At this age, art activities for 2 year olds are all about exploring and manipulating the medium whether it is paints, pudding or peanut butter! Sensory perception is the way toddlers and preschoolers learn about their world. It is through sight, sound, hearing and especially taste and touch that they can internalize and eventually understand what the world is made of.
Learning through play
Through quality play activities, children gather valuable information and develop critical skills that will support academic success. So what does child's play really mean?
Pretend play - Children acting out real life or imaginary experiences are trying to make sense or feel in control of their world.
Art - Scrubbing, tearing, cutting, painting, rolling and pounding clay are all art experiences that help children learn how the mind and hands can work together to create. Art assists in gaining control of hand muscles, which is necessary for pre-writing. Art experiences can also prepare children for math and science by using colors, textures, forms and shapes.
Language - Written and spoken words will help children develop a love for reading that will flourish over a lifetime. When children use their own language to express feelings or thoughts, they begin to feel the power of speech. When they sing, listen to poetry, are read to, and are given time to review books, they experience the joy of the written word.
Music and movement - Music and moving the body informally help provide children with a physical outlet. Soothing music can ease fears and anxiety, whereas dance music can help children develop motor skills, be silly and have fun. Singing helps children integrate new words into their vocabulary and experiment with speech patterns.
Manipulatives - The doors to the world of math are opened wide with manipulatives such as stacking blocks, pegboards and stringing beads, because they offer opportunities to classify, sequence, sort and match.
Blocks - Decision making, planning, sharing, cooperating, sense of accomplishment and pre-math skills are just a few of the familiar skills that a child will develop in the block area.
Science - Basic cognitive skills of cause and effect are all gained in this exploratory area.
The Basics:
Beginning writing skills- scribbling
Beginning art- Creativity with an array of art supplies: glue, markers etc.
Beginning counting 1-5 plus
Beginning color and shape practice
Repetition as a way to instill important concepts
Cleaning up after ones self and helping to clean up as a group
Independence in daily activities- Putting jacket on, shoes on etc.
Vocalization- Beginning sounds and clearer speaking
Intro to calendar time and circle time
Info on potty training through books and videos to promote independence- Please note, I will not be potty training your child. I will however be working with them to promote growth that will help you at home make an easier transition to the potty.
Music and movement
Importance of play
Block building and fine motor improvement- puzzles etc.
Nutrition is paramount in the development of young children. With this in mind, I ask you as parents to make sure your children eat a well-balanced nutritious breakfast before coming to school. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as most parents know greatly affects a child’s mood. A child is more likely to come to school happy and ready to learn if they have a full tummy.
Right now I am asking that your child take his or her turn in bringing the daily snack each month. Snack calendars go out at the beginning of each month. I also ask that your child bring a sippy cup of milk, juice, or water to school each day.
Early Learning Begindergarten wants to emphasize continuous, open communication between teachers and parents. This aspect is critical in maintaining high levels of parental confidence and satisfaction. With this comes my open door policy.
Open Door policy:
This policy encourages parents to get involved in classroom and center activities. I believe this is critical in assisting families to monitor each child's development, as well as maintaining a high level of confidence between parents and teacher. It is also extremely nice to have the extra help, so feel free to volunteer to drop by and help with projects, field trips etc.
Early Learning Begindergarten Commitment:
It is my goal to provide you with the best caring, nurturing, and supportive environment around. I promise to provide a creative, developmentally appropriate curriculum for the preschool age child that encompasses all facets of learning. I will work hard to achieve the curriculum goals, and hope you will help me to help your child succeed in getting an early start.
In conclusion, It may look like child’s play to you, but there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes! Social development advances while critical thinking and rationalization skills become more sophisticated. Stimulating and fun activities are used to develop a life-long love of learning. J
Sincerely,
Anjelika Kocher
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me
965-2073
641-9902 Feel free to text me :)
