Making the Best of Formative Years; Age Appropriate Distinctions
Toddler Years:
During the toddler years children are beginning to identify with themselves and the world around them simultaneously. This can be a stressful time and a wonderful time. As an individual they are seeking acceptance; they want to be loved and valued. As a part of identifying with their world they must discover boundaries. What is acceptable? What is unacceptable? It is a testing, learning, and reinforcing time of life. It is also a vitally important phase. Finding the proper balance between exploration and boundaries; coddling and nurturing encouragement is tricky. We see it as our role to be experts in this arena. Children’s life-long self-concept and foundation for relationships and learning is being solidified and fortified. In our program skill Building, self-acceptance, group acceptance a desire to learn are facilitated, supported and encouraged. Mom & Dad, we know this time is a new journey at home and we are here for you and well equipped with resources, knowledge and hands-on experience!
Preschool & Pre-K:
The preschool and pre-K years are so exciting. The foundation has been laid and solidified; now the scaffolding is built and reinforced for lifelong success. Children learn about how to work with others, problem solve, do things on their own and sustain a solid and healthy self-concept. Learning is broadened while creativity and innovation are encouraged. Our blended age class group is a wonderful way for us to solidify self-concept for our pre-K’ers. These big kids are our school leaders and they get to show it in the classroom. They take on roles such as snack-helper and clean-up leader. They are setting an example for their younger peers and are replenishing confidence their own amazing capabilities.
Designing a multi-age curriculum includes a thoughtful process. To ensure we are meeting each age’s needs we have done all our homework. By talking with Kindergarten teachers from each Moscow school we ensure that children who attend our program are well prepared for what they will be learning and experiencing when they graduate. Because of the nature of our program children in the preschool/pre-K class are above learning level for their age. Because the New Discoveries’ pre-K curiculum is designed at a accelerated learning level; we have checked to ensure that we are offering diverse learning material that will not be repeated and create a situation of boredom for the children. Many parents have kept in touch and we are happy to hear that New Discoveries’ kids tend to be at the top of their class and natural helpers in the classroom.
Each class curriculum in the Playschool is designed to incorporate the following areas of learning on a daily basis:
Social: The development of skills for relationships and co-operation with others.
Physical: The development of fine (small) and gross (large) motor skills.
Intellectual/Cognitive: Understanding the world
Creative: Development of special talents.
Emotional: The development of self-awareness, self-confidence and the ability to understand feelings and cope with tough ones when they occur.
For more information on Early Childhood Education, professional standards and the long-term effect of high quality experiences visit NAEYC.org.