OVERVIEW

“Teaching” and “Learning” as it applies to young children is accomplished best through play, movement, hands-on opportunities, and song. Lessons are planned to ensure children are actively engaged and classrooms are equipped with books and materials that make learning fun (and almost inconspicuous!). The classroom provides a safe and loving environment where children are guided by their teachers, interact with other children, and use materials that stimulate their participation and communication.

The curriculum of First Kids Academy is theme-based. Specific objectives have been established for each unit taught, age-appropriate activities are planned, and learning materials / toys are changed out to fit each theme. The various areas of developmental focus are embedded within the themes and the activities are designed to promote exploration, problem solving and imagination.

AREAS OF FOCUS INCLUDE:

Cognitive Development: Physical health and motor developmentas of focus include:
Social and emotional development
Language and communication development
Spiritual development: Teaching of Bible stories, Bible songs and prayers, as well as Chapel twice a week for 3s and 4s.

CURRICULUM USED:

• The three’s curriculum includes learning colors, shapes, position words, counting and the rote memorization of the alphabet. (Published guides used are Get Set for School – math/language, Early Childhood Express – letter awareness and prereading skills.)
• The four’s curriculum focuses on skills that prepare children for kindergarten: letter names and sounds, numbers and various math concepts, following directions, etc. (Published guides used are Starfall Reading and the New York State Math Curriculum.)