ProgramKINDERGARTEN PROGRAMME
Kindergarten what is it?
The kindergarten programme provides the basis for a process or learning that becomes more formal as the child progresses through their school life. In this non-formal setting in which “play” forms the core of our programme we allow the young child to explore, manipulate and thus learn from the world around them. By setting sensible and clear limits on behaviour we encourage children to develop to their full potential in an environment that respects all individuals’ rights to be safe.
We encourage the child to develop:-
Physically:
By providing a wide range of materials and experiences which encourage children to practice a range of gross motor skills, i.e. running, climbing and throwing and fine motor skills, i.e. cutting, ripping and threading. Through dance and movement games we strive to increase the child’s awareness of how their bodies work and their capabilities.
Intellectually:
Encouraging the child to question events and problem solve. A range of mathematic and science tasks and social studies are “tools” used in the kindergarten to encourage this questioning process thus allowing the child to develop a greater awareness of the world around them. The child’s ability to express themselves is encouraged through a range of puppetry, art, dance, music, discussions and imaginative play situations. All these situations help the child develop communication skills and unique manner of relating to others in the secure kindergarten environment.
Socially:
- To promote the sharing of equipment and turn taking;
- Respecting the rights of others in the group and learning to solve conflicts in a verbal manner;
- Giving each child opportunities to express their own ideas and needs and act appropriately on these;
- Gradually set small group tasks for children to complete together to encourage co-operation and compromise.
Emotionally:
To develop the child’s self confidence by setting achievable tasks that provide a challenge but allow success. To guide children into non-violent ways of dealing with conflict. Teaching them to use their voices instead of their bodies. Imaginative play situations provide an ideal “prop” for children to deal with issues of concern and learn about life in the world around them.