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EARLY CHILDHOOD DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The early childhood department (prekindergarten–grade 2) is the beginning of the child’s school career. Developing the child’s spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth is of key importance. A variety of methods and materials are used to ensure growth in each of these areas. The school strives to develop a love and excitement of learning in each child.
HANDS ON APPROACH:Much of the child’s day is spent exploring and experimenting using manipulatives, centers, and art mediums. Children are encouraged to creatively problem solve, construct, and express themselves. They work together in small and large groups as well as independently.
TRADITIONAL APPROACH:Throughout prekindergarten, letters, sounds, and numbers are introduced. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through second grade a traditional phonics program is included in the curriculum. Children are required to memorize Bible verses and basic math facts. In first and second grade, children have weekly spelling tests. The Accelerated Reader program is also introduced at this level.
THEME APPROACH:Units are developed based on the seasons, holidays, and various science and social studies topics. Centers, creative writing, dramatics, music, and literature are included in theme units.
HOMEROOM STRUCTURE:The early childhood department is arranged in such a way that most of the subject areas are taught by a homeroom teacher. With exception to music, physical education, and Spanish, all other subjects are taught by the homeroom teacher.
HOMEWORK:The homework requirement increases with the grade. Nightly reading is encouraged at all grade levels. A second grader may have up to 30 minutes of homework each night. This includes 20 minutes of reading, memory work, spelling words, and other subject areas.
HANDWRITING GUIDELINES:The traditional Zaner Bloser method of printing is used. In the second semester of second grade, cursive writing is introduced.
GRADE REPORTING:Grades are issued at the end of every term. Midterm progress reports are sent home halfway into each term. The first quarter midterm is in narrative form that reports observations the teacher has noted on the child. Additionally, at the end of the first grading period, parent conferences are scheduled with the homeroom teacher. Other conferences may be set throughout the year.
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