Curriculum
Hands-On Approach to Teaching
Young children are naturally curious and motivated to learn. They may not learn the same way or at the same pace. They may not have the same motivation or even the same interests and that’s ok. Learning is about understanding, so we use a hands-on approach to teaching and work with the children based on their individual needs. We make learning fun through games, learning centers, science experiments, stories, imaginary play and so many other exciting and enriching activities. Learning should be a way for students to make sense of the world around them.
Some Topics We Explore & Learn
- All About Me
- Animals & Habitats
- The 5 Senses
- Emotions
- Community Workers
- Nutrition
- Dinosaurs
- Transportation
- Health & Safety
- Manners
- Holidays
- Seasons
- Marine Animals
- Around The World
The curriculum at Wind ‘n Willow is based on a thematic approach.
TODDLER PROGRAM
Two Year Old Toddler Program "The Early Years"
Starting at 18 Months
The Early Years toddler program is a discovery based and thematic learning experience which enhances the child’s social/emotional, physical and intellectual development. Our 2-year-olds are learning to socialize, to share, to follow directions and make new friends. We also work with the children on their language skills. We play games and do exercises to help strengthen their muscle formation to increase their oral skills for proper speech development. In this class, the children are learning their ABC’s, colors, shapes, and numbers. We have fun with our seasons and the holiday celebrations. Art, book stories, music, singing, dancing, and outdoor play (weather permitting) are always part of our day.
3-YEAR OLD PROGRAM
In our 3-year-old classroom, we look to develop and broaden the interests of our students through our monthly thematic lessons and other enriching experiences. The children in this class will explore such themes as health & safety, community workers, animals and their habitats, the Five Senses, bees, butterflies & birds and emotions just to name a few. They will learn name recognition, their address and phone number. We continually work on our letter sounds to start to develop the foundation for reading and spelling. Phonics is part of our everyday routine. Our 3-year-olds will begin tracing their letters and numbers as we work on acquiring their writing skills and number concepts. We work in learning centers every day and our center activities change with different monthly themes. Art, book stories, music, singing, dancing and outdoor play (weather permitting) are always a part of our day.
PRE-K PROGRAM
Our 4-year-old program will provide your child with the necessary skills needed to prepare them for a healthy transition into kindergarten. They work in interest areas such as the block, cars & truck center and a child favorite, their dramatic play center. The children also work in learning centers that are divided up into Literacy, Math, Science, and Manipulative. We introduce letters and sounds phonetically to develop the foundation for early reading and spelling. Writing skills and number concepts are strengthened in this class as well as comprehension to stories read to them in school. We introduce students to Fundations and writing workshop in this class to familiarize them with some of the things they will be doing entering Kindergarten. We discuss the calendar, weather, seasons, and love working on our computers. We have a Spanish word of the week and enjoy learning a new language. Our 4’s will focus on themes such as All about me, the classroom environment, Nutrition and our healthy bodies, Solar System, hibernation, land animals and their habitats, Marine animals and Oceans, The 7 Continents, Health Safety and dinosaurs just to name a few. Music, singing, dancing and outdoor play (weather permitting) are always a part of our day. A Cap and Gown Graduation Ceremony to celebrate your child’s achievements ends our school year in mid-June. A three-to-five-day schedule is advised in this class to help your child make a healthy transition into kindergarten.
Play is one of the most profound means available to children for refining & integrating their knowledge.
Our Events
Special Events provide opportunities for parents, children and teachers to connect with one another. Children are provided with an educational experience while having fun. Some of these events include: