Pitter Patter Academy

As the child enters into the toddler stage they begin to understand that print has meaning. When a toddler is being read to they begin to notice the relationship of the printed word with what is being said and the picture. As the child grows they observe people reading newspapers, magazines and books with a purpose to gain information. Experience and exposure are the building blocks that children need to help them learn pre-reading and pre-writing skills. Our emphasis on increasing language skills and knowledge helps each child gain the ability to read at an earlier stage. Each classroom is organized to encourage children to explore, participate and learn through creative activities. The curriculum is age-appropriate and at the developmental level of the children. Through routine and repetition, basic letter identification and their sounds are learned then expanded on throughout the day with activities using gross and fine motor skills, art projects, music, read alouds, and interactive games and puzzles. These daily adventures begin in our toddler rooms and continue through pre-k. Expanding a child’s vocabulary will ensure their success when learning how to read and comprehend. Some examples for each classroom:
· An abundance of books that the children can handle and look through.
· Areas for different activities to explore such as art, science, math, manipulatives, file folders, construction, music, etc.
· Ample amount of writing materials such as paper, pencils, crayons, markers
· Interactive letter: cards, magnets, stamps, stencils, lacings, puzzles
· Classroom objects labeled with words and picture, signs, posters to show meaning of print
· Read alouds are interactive with lessons to enhance listening skills, vocabulary, word identification, sequencing, and basic book awareness
· Communication skills are practiced by modeling and helping children communicate their wants and needs to each other appropriately.