Stowe Early Learning Center PK Handbook | Page 23

CHILD DEVELOPMENT
All classroom environments are intentionally designed to support independence , development of executive function skills , high student engagement , and positive social relationships with peers and adults . The tables , chairs , sinks , and equipment are childsized and allow children to explore the classroom independently . Children ’ s artwork , shared brainstorming , documentation of daily creations , feelings charts / images , and questions to support higher order thinking are displayed . Items are labeled to introduce the children to the importance of words . Labels are written in multiple languages that represent the languages spoken by children in the classroom . All areas of development are integrated into the curriculum . Families receive education home visits ( Head Start ) and family-staff conferences throughout the school year to develop and review individual plans and goals based on student outcome data .
WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING DURING EXPLORATION TIME WHEN THEY VISIT THE DIFFERENT INTEREST AREAS ?
Blocks : Early math concepts , problem solving , social-emotional skills , fine and gross muscle development , hand-eye coordination , language / literacy , and creativity .
Dramatic Play : Social skills ; uses imagination and encourages role-playing . Children develop vocabulary , abstract thinking , and cooperation .
Art : Improves fine and visual motor skills when cutting , pasting , painting , and creating with a variety of materials . Math , literacy , language , social-emotional skills , science , and technology are also embedded into art .
Math / Science
Health :
Nutrition :
Measurement , problem solving , and exploration of materials through predicting , observing , questioning , and experimenting . Manipulatives are used to sort , classify , make patterns , and count . Children are exploring how the world around them works .
Children wash hands throughout the day ( upon entering the classroom , before meals , after toileting , before and after sensory activities , and as needed ). Oral health and personal safety curricula are included in lesson planning and family newsletters .
Food related activities are included in the curriculum . Family style meals support healthy eating . My Plate , a nutrition icon created by the USDA to remind Americans to eat healthfully
23 Family Handbook