Young children excel and grow in an environment that is safe, nurturing and caring. Providing such an environment is our first priority in the two and three year old classrooms. For many of our two and three year olds, this is their first experience in a group setting. Our teachers strive to make each child feel safe and secure.
This nurturing environment is further enhanced by a strong developmentally-appropriate curriculum. When you visit the room look for hands-on activities including art exploration, music, manipulatives, and quiet reading areas. We structure our program in a way that provides each child with a range of activities to explore and learn from each day.
Daily Routine
Maintaining a consistent and predictable daily routine is a wonderful way to create a secure environment. Young children enjoy the security of knowing that, for example, circle time is right after snack. Each classroom teacher works hard to establish a routine that is right for his or her group.
Parents are encouraged to establish a drop-off routine.
During drop off time, centers are arranged throughout the room. These include our reading center, kitchen, large toy area, art center, creative play center. This is a very important time for our children, as it gives them free choice and a sense of control. Just like our children, the teachers arrive at different times. When a teacher arrives at school, she will set up her room and then pick up her group from the drop-off room.
Our materials are geared to all stages of development. Puzzles, water tables, blocks, books, large toys, manipulative, play dough, crayons, dress-up, and our kitchen equipment are some of the materials we use to enhance learning and imaginative play at Autumn Leaf Academy.
Activities
Art - Children are encouraged to explore and develop through a wide variety of mediums including painting, glitter, glue, fabric, play dough and crayons. At Bright Beginnings, we love to make messy, fun art projects so expect to see finger painting, pudding art and sand sculptures throughout each week. We emphasize the joy of the art process rather than the product.
Circle Time, Math and Science - During this time, the teacher and children sit in a group and discuss a variety of topics. Math, science, finger plays, songs and exposure to quality literature are some of the things that happen at this time. On any given day, you may see children weighing themselves, take a sense tasting test, counting fish, listening to a story or just singing songs. This is the time when the children and teacher get to know each other better. Through sharing and spending time together, they develop a special bond of friendship.
Outdoor Play - Our playground is equipped with a variety of gross-motor equipment designed to offer opportunities for climbing, jumping and running. We also do a number of other activities outdoors. Outside time is a great time to practice gross motor and large muscle development. Bubbles, parachute games, nature walks and dancing are fun ways to enjoy the outdoors.