At Country Knolls Preschool we aim for each child to reach their full potential in all developmental areas; social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language.
Each child will develop as an individual and as a member of a group. Our program is set up to encourage all of these qualities, including allowing time for children to choose their own experiences, enjoy free play and be involved in the joy and excitement of an active program.We feel it is important for the child to express themselves through dramatic play, creative art, blocks, workbooks, writing and water table activities.
Zoo Phonics
is introduced in the 3’s class, which teaches all aspects of language arts. The principle of Zoo Phonics maximizes understanding, memory, utilization and transferences to all areas of reading, and spelling in a playful and concrete manner.
Watch the video to learn more about the Zoo Phonics program.
PAF Handwriting
is a program that children will learn to write easily and legibly. It is used to prevent or remediate handwriting problems in all children, including those with fine motor weaknesses and spatial confusion. Children who write well do better in school. PAF provides children with the building blocks they need to learn in a logical order which results in minimum frustration and maximum success. Its step-by-step progression leads not only to improvement in basic skills but to an increased sense of mastery and self esteem.
PAF teaches the letters using large, full-page models
PAF introduces the way the letters are written simultaneously with their sounds
PAF uses each new letter to spell and write words
PAF use strategies to eliminate reversals and confusion about line placement
The Handwriting Program for Numerals combines teaching children to write the numerals from 0-10 with beginning math skills.
PAF has both large and small models to be traced and copied. Large models exaggerate the differences between numerals (like 6 and 9)
PAF has strategies for eliminating number reversals
PAF has activities for developing number sense and basic counting skills
Music Program
At Country Knolls Preschool your children get the opportunity to engage in music class at least once a week. Our music program led by Ms. Marlana of "Lend me your Ears" ,helps our young students develop a love of music, movement, rhythm and dance. This combination allows them to enjoy the music and express themselves. Music and movement together provide many benefits to the social, mental and physical development in children. Moreover incorporating music and movement in early childhood education helps young children with social interaction and language growth.
The introduction to music in our students lives helps to develop concentration, memory and listening skills. Singing helps children in learning speech patterns.
Singing develops a child’s vocabulary and if you incorporate dance into it, the child is able to recall the words through the movements. Music stimulates new neural pathways and connections in the brain that speed-up the learning process. It enhances the creativity and curiosity in children
Zumba
Zumba Kids led by Zumba Instructor Lauren Cascioli features Zumba Fitness music, rhythms, and beats along with Zumba choreography broken into kid-friendly routines. Giving children an outlet to jump, dance, shake, and swing their hips, it’s the perfect recipe for fitness fun. Zumba Kids also adds age-appropriate games and activities, helping children gain coordination, self-confidence, overcome fears, learn about teamwork, and much more.
Watch the video to learn more about Zumba kids.
(sample video not actual class at our school)
Part of your child's day will include some of the following activities:
Puppet and talent shows
Guest Speakers and Holiday Celebrations
Show & Tell coincides with the weekly theme. Each child will get in front of the class to gain confidence in speaking to their peers and expressing themselves.
Circle Time is when the children will come together to learn colors, shapes, days of the week, months of the year, numbers, letters, sounds, and weather. Daily discussions will be held about different topics each day.
Outdoor Playtime is an important part of physical development: Weather permitting there is a 30 minute outdoor playtime.
Free Play is an essential aspect of individual growth. It is a time for the child to choose a center; to paint, read, listen to music, play with blocks or puzzles, pretend dress up or “work” in the kitchen.