Small Wonder
WELCOME TO SMALL WONDER!
A program designed for toddlers (walking to age 2.5) and their parents / caregivers.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Woodside Preschool’s Small Wonder program provides a wonderful opportunity for young children to experience a rich classroom environment and establish a positive first school experience with the participation of a parent or caregiver.
During this stage of their development, toddlers are growing and changing in ways that will impact their learning potential for the rest of their lives. As such, the goal of the Small Wonder Program is to provide each child with a nurturing, lively and challenging environment which will encourage active learning, language development, curiosity, problem solving and a positive self-image. Classes are structured to include a variety of activities which will enable each child to to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. Daily activities are organized in ways that make learning positive, engaging and exciting.
CURRICULUM & CONTENT
In the Small Wonder program, academic learning is integrated with hands-on exploration while addressing each child’s social and emotional development. The curriculum for Small Wonder focuses on each area of the children’s growth, taking into consideration the development of skills, creative expression, language and literacy, social relations, movement, music, number concepts and spatial awareness. Using a whole child and sensory approach, children are encouraged to use every aspect of their senses and bodies to gain knowledge of the world in which they live, acquire an understanding of preschool life and begin developing a lifelong love of learning. Learning is an active process of acquiring skills modeled both by adults and peers.
The program format allows for the development of concepts about self, others and the world around by observing and engaging. Language skills and self expression are developed through stories, dramatic play, art, songs, talking, and drawing. Various play activities focus on large and small motor skills. The children explore new ideas and make discoveries as they interact with concrete objects to facilitate connections with their own life experiences.
CLASSES
Classes in the Small Wonder program are built around various themes. In each class the children are exposed to new materials and possibilities. Daily small and large group activities include: art, music, crafts, Play-Doh, painting, circle time, stories and gym play. Carefully planned activities provide children an opportunity to learn more about the world around them, to develop skills and competencies, to understand concepts, and to gain knowledge.
Children’s hands-on approach to learning is supported in the classroom environment through work in various centers, which include: dramatic play, blocks, art, manipulatives, science, library and language arts. Each child meets new friends, learns to share and uses his or her listening skills. A carefully planned classroom environment allows the children to be active explorers, providing the structure and guidance for their exploration, yet allowing them to take risks.
Classes are offered daily (September - June) from 9 to 11am or 1 to 3pm. Parents have the option of choosing one or two days a week for a full or half year session. In addition, morning classes are offered as part of our summer program running June - July.
ROLE OF THE TEACHER
The Small Wonder teacher acts as a facilitator in the classroom, working to create a supportive environment that is challenging and fun for each child. The teacher’s role is to ensure that the classroom is an active learning environment that lends itself to child-initiated activities. These activities promote and encourage problem solving, independence, a sense of self-reliance, as well as cooperation among the children and adults.
The teacher supports the curriculum by asking open-ended questions and planning open-ended activities which allow the children to make choices and expand their thoughts and ideas. The introduction of new materials allows the teacher to provide the children with different activities to stimulate their curiosity, creativity, concept development and knowledge building.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
9:00 – 9:15 Arrival, settling in and free play
Children will put away their coats and venture to various areas in the class where hands-on materials are available for free exploration and play. Parents will have a chance to greet each other and talk with the teacher.
9:15 – 9:45 Special projects and discovery time
Children will participate in theme related projects with the teacher. Children may choose among a variety of learning areas and centers designed to support the day’s theme.
9:45 – 10:00 Circle time and music
Discussion of the day’s activities will occur, and the children will join in songs, movement games and finger plays.
10:00 – 10:15 Snack and story time
Children will have a snack and listen to a story.
10:15 – 10:45 Gross motor skills/gym time
Children will participate in a variety of gross motor activities in the gym.
10:45 – 11:00 Circle time, music and goodbyes
Children will review the day’s activities, sing songs, and say goodbye.
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Please click here to view the Application for Small Wonder Fall 2008-Spring 2009: Application
Please note: the Application for Small Wonder Fall 2009-Spring 2010 will be available online on February 1, 2009.
