03/25/2017
This is in response to an email from the mother of a 3 year old daughter:
My 3 yr old curriculum does concentrate on social development. Most 3 yr olds are still in the solo play stage. Through the year we progress into group play and group activities. We also have a section on manners. We learn why manners are important and we have role playing time to learn how to implement these skills.
We cover the alphabet letters and sounds. Tactile and fine motor activities help teach the letters. We also learn a little sign language with each letter. For example: "A," Ally alligator says a-a-a (short sound of a). As we say this we sign "alligator" and the letter "A."
We cover the numbers 1-20, beginning math skills, reasoning and sequencing skills, shape recognition and currency recognition. I have also developed sections on music, art, social studies, science and health.
We have special visits from community helpers during the year. They include the fire department and paramedics, the school bus driver, a nurse, a teacher, a construction worker and a cashier. These people bring their job supplies/equipment and show the kids first hand what their job entails.
We also have 2 field trips a year. During the holidays the 3 year old class visits Trapper's Cafe. They learn how a restaurant kitchen is run. Afterwards, we all have a piece of pie. The older children visit Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen. The other field trip is to the Taylor Museum and the little log cabin in Taylor. They learn about life when Taylor was first founded and we have a snack/lunch at the grove behind the cabin.
The close of our Fall Session culminates in a "Christmas Around the World" party where we learn about and experience how Christmas is celebrated in six other countries. The Spring Session ends with "A Day in Space." I've made flight suits for all the children and a mock space shuttle. We blast off from preschool and visit 6 planets with activities on each.
Twice during the year, your child has the opportunity to have a "special day." You are invited to come and tell us about your daughter on her Spotlight Day. Later, in the spring on "Mom and Me Day'" you show something the two of you enjoy doing together. The kids really like these days where they get to be the stars.
I don't really teach from a specific curriculum. Over the years I've developed my own style and methods of teaching. Each child learns differently. I home-schooled all my children and I know first hand that things have to be tailored to each child.
You are welcome to come and visit my school on Tuesday or Wednesday, from 8:00am to 10:00am. Please call ahead so I can tell the children what to expect that day. You may call or email if you have any other questions.
The monthly fee for the 3 year old class is $50.00 a month. The days are Tuesday and Wednesday. Next year, depending on enrollment, class will either begin at 8:00am or 10:00am and run for two hours. The Fall session is 16 weeks long, with a 4 week break before the Spring Session begins.
