|
 |
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Because the curriculum of the preschool program at SON Shine Club (SSC) is spiritually based, the program reflects this emphasis. Spiritual concepts are woven throughout the day's instruction, including Bible stories, songs, and scripture. It is believed that children learn through watching, hearing, and modeling, and every staff member and teacher is aware of the role they play in the Christian development of young children. |
Our teaching staff is dedicated to creating a positive learning experience for preschoolers from 12 months to 5 years old. We want to meet the spiritual, emotional, mental, physical, and social needs of your child in a warm and loving environment. In using the "Bright Beginnings" curriculum, Bible truths are taught in rooms arranged into play/learning centers where children can make choices for individual and small group activities. Specific developmental requirements are needed for some classes.
TWELVE MONTHS THROUGH TWO YEARS
For the younger child, this is a time of exploration and discovery of God's world. The child will increase his receptive and expressive language skills through manipulating concrete objects and shapes. This is a time of increased awareness of God's gifts. Our one's and two's programs provide an environment that is stimulating and comfortable. Young children are able to explore as they express their curiosity and independence. Children will have opportunities to engage in group and individual activities as well as teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Parents receive a daily record of feedings, sleeping, activities, etc.
THREE YEARS
The three year old will receive wider ranges of experiences and an increase in his expressive and receptive language through action work. He will expand his knowledge of the community, the church, and the world around him. There will be a steady increase in concept development as it applies to pre-math and pre-reading skills. This time is used to help the child move from awareness of self and things in the immediate environment to a concern for others and an increased understanding of God's love.
FOUR AND FIVE YEARS
The four/five year old will expand his knowledge of the community, the church, and the world around him through increased physical involvement in his environment. There will be a steady expansion of concept development as it applies to pre-math and pre-reading skills. It is a time when a child begins to discover meaning in his relationships with others and with God and begins to appreciate the value of those relationships.
THREE TO FIVE YEAR CURRICULUM
The foundation of our curriculum for three through five year olds is Bright Beginnings: Exploring God's World, published by Gospel Light (www.gospellight.com). The program provides a plethora of resources to integrate key Bible concepts into our preschool program with developmentally appropriate teaching about God and His love for every child. The monthly Bible concepts were chosen especially to bring God's Word to a preschooler's world and to help each child begin to build a spiritual foundation that will last a lifetime. The Bright Beginnings program includes creative learning activities in art, blocks, dramatic play, large motor games and science. There are also age-appropriate interactive prayer and Bible verse activities, large colorful posters and a fun CD for Bible and activity songs.
PARENT PROGRAM
The preschool program is a ministry to parents as well as to children. Parents are encouraged to participate in their children's activities whenever possible. At the first of the year, parents are invited to Open House. Every month, there is a planned school activity. Parents or family members may usually attend. Each class asks for volunteers for special events and field trips or for help with activities both in class and out of class. Parents are a vital part of the school program and are invited to visit and take part in their child's preschool education. While you are always welcome to come by the office and check on your child, appointments are required for classroom visits or observations so that the least amount of disruption is achieved.
MUSIC EDUCATION
Fine arts are an important part of a well-rounded education. Music is an irreplaceable part of praise and worship. Children need to learn that God inhabits our praise. Current research also indicates that children who are exposed to music education during the preschool years show increased capabilities in the areas of science and math.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Fine and gross motor skills are two of the areas emphasized by the physical education program. The primary emphasis of this program is to increase the self-esteem of each child through the growth of his/her physical development.
ART EDUCATION
Creativity and Biblical principles are woven into our art education program. Each concept studied is tied to a scripture. As the students are learning about art concepts, they are viewing art as an expression of praise for our heavenly Father.
COMPUTER INSTRUCTION
Most classes have access to a computer. Basic computer skills are taught in class by using educational computer games. Each child receives individual instruction and increases his computer skills while exploring and enjoying himself. Studies tell us that keyboarding practice can enhance a child's abilities in the areas of math and science.
|
