Language Development
Language development is very important at this young age. It is a time where children are sponges when it comes to learning new words, sounds, ways to communicate and express themselves. In order to support their language development, we create a variety of authentic and meaningful activities that will help build their vocabulary, oral skills, phonetic awareness, sight word recognition and early reading skills. We engage in whole group read-alouds, shared writing, oral dictations, dramatic play and various rhyming and phonics games to truly promote a love of reading and writing. We create a space where each child can learn at their own pace while also being challenged to reach their potential.
Social/Emotional Development
Children at this age are learning how to navigate relationships with new friends, educators and continue to develop their relationships with their families. They are learning to move away from parallel play and with it, situations arise. Modeling and teaching social/emotional skills is extremely important. This is achieved through planned lessons as well as situations that arise throughout the day. As much as possible, through role play, social stories, drama, art and stories, we teach various tools that the children can use when frustrated, sad, mad, happy, etc. We develop a unique ‘tool kit’ for each child as each child will connect with a different strategy that works for them. We also teach emotions and self-regulation through the Zones of Regulation and Kelso’s Choice. While we take a proactive approach to learning how to deal with various emotions, learning in the moment can also be a very powerful tool. Children will get the support and guidance to navigate tricky situations with their friends in a warm and positive way.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development is a process that is unique to each child. We support their cognitive development through exploration and purposeful play. It will happen at all moments during the day; children are constantly advancing their skills in observing, interacting, processing, storing and using information. Through play, we encourage and address various skills that will inspire them to problem solve, create, experiment and learn through their interests. Games, puzzles, science experiments, mini-lessons, theatre, building, social stories, nature walks are just some of the many examples of how we address cognitive development in children.
Fine/Gross Motor Skills
Fine motor skills continue to strengthen at this young age. To build up the strength in their hands, we purposefully include many activities including cutting/pasting, Lego building, play-doh, sorting manipulatives, drawing, baking activities and giving them crayons that are split in half or tiny pencils. All of these will help strengthen the muscles in their hands through play. When it comes to gross motor activities, we try to ensure that most, if not all activities, include some sort of movement. For example, if we are working on the letter A, instead of having them work at a table we will have various letters around the room and have them move an object to the right letter while saying the letter sound. Movement can be weaved into so many activities and we believe that it helps children solidify concepts.
Outdoor Education and Creativity
Through play and exploration, we are able to highlight, encourage and support their creativity. We create activities based on their interests to ensure that they are excited about what they are learning about. We embrace their questions, encourage mistakes and will be flexible with our learning. If they have a question that can be turned into a unit, we will do so.
At Little Peak, we are lucky to have a large outdoor space for learning. Whenever possible, children will be brought outside to embrace the learning process.