This page explains our four and five year old program (JK/SK program). Click on a link to learn more about: the program's philosophy, the curriculum (Math Centres, Reading and Writing Centres and Themes), staff to student ratios, or more information.
Our four and five year old program (JK/SK program) is a culmination of and a building upon the previous year's programming. Our task is to present an environment that meets each child's needs by presenting a "fit" or integration of child and program. This fit ensures that challenges are met with comfort and success. Our goal is kindergarten readiness. Reading, writing, math centres, and science activities are emphasized.
We are proud of our curriculum. We have been told by Kindergarten teachers that you can spot the children from Emmanuel, because they are so ready to learn.
The Curriculum
The curriculum builds upon school readiness skills with an emphasis on social skills. The classroom is divided into learning centres that encourage exploration in science, early literacy and math. Small group activities are provided daily. Group activities include calendar, current events, Jolly Phonics and an introduction to French. Special events and field trips are implemented in this program to enhance our curriculum. These events include excursions to the park, library, farm skating, roller blading to the theatre, visitors and entertainers from the community as well as other community functions.
The four year old curriculum emphasizes Math Centres. The curriculum includes classification, sorting, matching, patterning and sequencing skills. Subtle and sometimes not so subtle references to math skills are part of the curriculum at circle time with games and finger plays. For example, in the dramatic play centre, a card is on view with a number of stick figures. This card relays to the children the number of children that can play in the centre at any one time.
The Math Centre may include: match, sort and count games, dominos, "how many" games, measuring activities, fraction frames (pie plate with divided areas to match with appropriate piece), a large standing Abacus, a measuring balance scale, attribute beads, many types of counters, grading boards, shapes, insert shapes, wooden geometric shapes, clock face, cash register and graduated measuring cups for water play.
Reading and Writing Centres are included in the program and the environment is print rich. For example, a number of Print Props are present in all areas of the program. A door, the cupboard, the wall are all labeled with clear print. It is important that children have ample language experiences that provide opportunities for them to discover the meaningful connection between oral language (spoken words) and written language. Creating a natural foundation for reading and writing is important and can be introduced to preschool children through providing a "print rich" learning environment.
Themes may be presented on a weekly basis. However, it is desirable that in a four year old program a theme be chosen for its broader concept. Themes can be broad concepts supported by several topics and covering many contents or subject areas. For example, if the theme is Places to Live , then the topics might be People (dwelling around the world), Animals (habitat and homes), Where do I Live? and Who Lives with Me? Similarly, if the theme is Things That Grow , then the topics might be Me (what makes me grow, food, sleep, activity), Plants (different plants) and Animals (different animals).
Staff to Student Ratios
Room 1: Rainbow Room — 4 year olds
The Rainbow room offers both full and part time programs (minimum of two full days). There are 24 children and three teachers (ratio 1:8).
Room 2: Kindercub Room — JK/SK, full day, alternate day
In the Kindercub room, your child would attend Monday, Wednesday, and alternating Fridays or Tuesday, Thursday and alternating Fridays. There are 18 children and two teachers (ratio 1:8).
For More Information...
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