Curriculum Guide
Longwood Hills Congregational Church
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Tiny Toddlers
Toddlers learn by experiencing the environment through their senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching),
by physically moving around, and through social interaction. The children are given ample opportunities to practice newly
acquired skills and to experience feelings of autonomy and success. Although a significant part of their development is
learning and acquiring social skills, toddlers are not able to understand the concept of sharing. Age-appropriate toys are
available at all times in order to encourage self-directed play and imagination. Simple art projects are introduced to
toddlers, while songs, stories, and finger plays are recited often in each age group. Weather permitting, all toddlers and
the older infants have daily outdoor playtime.
Terrific Twos
Two year olds are learning to produce language rapidly. They develop these language skills by actively participating with
story books, finger plays, songs and flannel board stories. Color recognition, shapes and counting are enhanced through
these verbal activities. Two year olds thrive on exploration and creativity. They enjoy fantasy, such as pretending toys are
alive or using an empty box as a car. We provide time and space (indoor and outdoor) for gross motor activities (running,
jumping, throwing), as well as manipulatives (puzzles, play dough, pegboard, string beads, scribbling) for fine motor
development. Self-help skills (buttoning, zippering, snapping) are encouraged and worked on as interest is shown.
Fabulous Threes
Three year olds are no longer toddlers but, at times, they will behave like toddlers and at other times, their language
skills and motor skills will deceptively mimic the four year old. This is a distinct period of development with its own unique
challenges and accomplishments. They are usually more cooperative than toddlers, but can easily revert back to toddler
behavior when feeling tired or upset. The Preschool Program and afternoon play periods are designed to encourage the
development and practice of self-help skills (dressing, feeding, toileting and washing themselves, as well as picking up
toys), fine motor skills (puzzles, pegboards, etc.) and language skills (through poems, rhymes, finger plays and musical
activities). As they begin to form relationships with peers, they are given plenty of time to practice their socialization skills
through indoor and outdoor play. Creative art is another avenue provided where self-expression and initiative are explored
through various materials.
Wonderful Fours
This group is exposed to a variety of experiences and an increased opportunity for fine motor skills. Scissors,
manipulatives and cooking are greatly enjoyed by the four year old. Attention span and memory skills begin to mature
(through games of color recognition, object size and shape), as does the development of basic math concepts and
problem solving skills. Four year olds learn through active participation with adults, other children and materials, while
enjoying indoor and outdoor play. Four year olds are learning to make choices through planned activities. Teacher
prepared learning centers will include housekeeping, blocks, science, math, manipulatives, music and art. Through
weekly activities, the four year olds are introduced to the alphabet. Math concepts include patterning, sequencing,
opposites, shapes, likes and differences, and counting. Other media, such as social studies, art, cooking, and computers,
reflect the letter theme of the week.
Toddlers learn by experiencing the environment through their senses (seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and touching),
by physically moving around, and through social interaction. The children are given ample opportunities to practice newly
acquired skills and to experience feelings of autonomy and success. Although a significant part of their development is
learning and acquiring social skills, toddlers are not able to understand the concept of sharing. Age-appropriate toys are
available at all times in order to encourage self-directed play and imagination. Simple art projects are introduced to
toddlers, while songs, stories, and finger plays are recited often in each age group. Weather permitting, all toddlers and
the older infants have daily outdoor playtime.
Terrific Twos
Two year olds are learning to produce language rapidly. They develop these language skills by actively participating with
story books, finger plays, songs and flannel board stories. Color recognition, shapes and counting are enhanced through
these verbal activities. Two year olds thrive on exploration and creativity. They enjoy fantasy, such as pretending toys are
alive or using an empty box as a car. We provide time and space (indoor and outdoor) for gross motor activities (running,
jumping, throwing), as well as manipulatives (puzzles, play dough, pegboard, string beads, scribbling) for fine motor
development. Self-help skills (buttoning, zippering, snapping) are encouraged and worked on as interest is shown.
Fabulous Threes
Three year olds are no longer toddlers but, at times, they will behave like toddlers and at other times, their language
skills and motor skills will deceptively mimic the four year old. This is a distinct period of development with its own unique
challenges and accomplishments. They are usually more cooperative than toddlers, but can easily revert back to toddler
behavior when feeling tired or upset. The Preschool Program and afternoon play periods are designed to encourage the
development and practice of self-help skills (dressing, feeding, toileting and washing themselves, as well as picking up
toys), fine motor skills (puzzles, pegboards, etc.) and language skills (through poems, rhymes, finger plays and musical
activities). As they begin to form relationships with peers, they are given plenty of time to practice their socialization skills
through indoor and outdoor play. Creative art is another avenue provided where self-expression and initiative are explored
through various materials.
Wonderful Fours
This group is exposed to a variety of experiences and an increased opportunity for fine motor skills. Scissors,
manipulatives and cooking are greatly enjoyed by the four year old. Attention span and memory skills begin to mature
(through games of color recognition, object size and shape), as does the development of basic math concepts and
problem solving skills. Four year olds learn through active participation with adults, other children and materials, while
enjoying indoor and outdoor play. Four year olds are learning to make choices through planned activities. Teacher
prepared learning centers will include housekeeping, blocks, science, math, manipulatives, music and art. Through
weekly activities, the four year olds are introduced to the alphabet. Math concepts include patterning, sequencing,
opposites, shapes, likes and differences, and counting. Other media, such as social studies, art, cooking, and computers,
reflect the letter theme of the week.
| Genesis Preschool |