Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum

The Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum, aligned with the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. The Creative Curriculum promotes cognitive, language, social/emotional, and physical development of young children. The Creative Curriculum encourages child-initiated activities throughout the day based on interest centers. Teacher directed activities are also embedded throughout the day. Children will participate in large group, small group, and one on one learning opportunities in the classroom. The physical environment of the classroom and the daily schedule of activities are structured in such a way as to encourage active learning and independence. The daily schedule of activities include circle time, small group lessons, center time, gross motor, snack, and library visits.

Jolly Phonics

Jolly Phonics is a child centered approach to literacy instruction. Through the integration of auditory, visual and kinesthetic teaching, children learn to identify letter sounds, letter names, letter formation and also begin to recognize isolated letter sounds within words that they hear and pictures that they see. This program uses a multi-sensory approach including movement, music, stories, visuals and manipulatives to teach the 42 letter sounds. Letters are taught in a specific order (not alphabetically) that will allow children to begin recognizing words more quickly. Learn more at Jollyphonics.com.

The Handwriting Without Tears

The Handwriting Without Tears curriculum utilizes developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory instructional methods to teach young children how to correctly form letters. Through singing, building with blocks, and writing with a variety of mediums such as chalk, water, shaving cream and crayons the children learn how to form letters. This is a fun and motivating way for young children to develop fine motor skills! Learn more at hwtears.com.

PATHS

PATHS or Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies is the social skills curriculum used in our classroom. Children learn to develop self control, problem solving skills, positive self-esteem, emotional awareness and emotional literacy, and basic social skills. Through role play, stories, modeling and interactive lessons the children engage in discovering appropriate social interactions. The program utilizes four puppets: Twiggle the turtle, Daphne the duck, Duke the dog and Henrietta the hedgehog who help children discover the best way to solve problems and be a good friend! Learn more at pathstraining.com.