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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Welcome!

Welcome to Little People Preschools Blog! Here you will be able to discover and learn about what our preschool has to offer. Below is some basic information about the preschool, my teaching experience, my curriculum and more.

This year I am teaching 3 different classes. The days, times, and starting date are listed below. Each class with have a blog where you can see a calendar of upcoming events, field trips and the monthly news letter which the students and I will create. For the protection of my students these are private blogs, and you must be added by me in order to view them.

I have been involved in Education for the past 6 years. During that 6 years I have taken part in the following: substitute teaching, teachers aid, preschool teaching assistant, student teaching (completed in Kindergarten), went to college for an elementary education degree.

If you have any questions which are not answered in here please email me at meaganrawlings2@gmail.com

My Teaching Style

I believe in an active, hands-on learning. However, I do believe worksheets also need to be used in order to retain information. Young children need to explore their environment. Since every child is a different type of learner (tactile, auditorial, visual, musical, etc,). Concepts need to be taught in several different ways to reach all children. Learning must be fun in order for new knowledge to be retained. Students need to feel safe and comfortable in order to experiment with new learning situations, to test their hypotheses, and to gain confidence in their abilities. In order to accomplish all of this; structure is necessary and is taught inside my classroom. My goal is for each child to gain a love for learning that will last a lifetime!

Daily Routine

This is the schedule which we will follow on a daily basis. There are other categories which will be added in the daily routine to go with our theme/curriculum for the week. The curriculum for 3 year-olds and 4 year-olds is different as well.

Drop Off: The time will vary depending upon which class your child is in.
Carpet Time: A time to adjust and "wake up" our bodies and minds (calendar, songs, numbers, alphabet,  sharing time,  pledge,  and weather).
Learning Centers: The students rotate to 3 centers designed to help students gain a sense of self and knowledge in areas such as: music, art, reading, math, and writing.
Snack Time: A snack will be provided for every student 
Lesson: This is a time where all 10 students listen to instructions and complete: (a project, worksheet, dramatic play, writing, and math).
Independence: Students have free time to complete any center: (reading center, dramatic play, science center, history center, or a learning center).
Clean-Up/Departure: Students will clean up the classroom, get backpacks and line up at the door. I will walk students to the sidewalk where parent can come pick them up.

My Curriculum

My curriculum is structured to address each students needs. It is also structured to each age group. Here is a link which will allow you to see what areas the student must be able to demonstrate while in preschool, as well as before entering kindergarten. Some of my main focuses are academics, social, emotional and physical needs of every student. Themes and weekly topics are centered around and scaffold on previously gained skills and concepts. This curriculum is centered, but not limited to: reading, language, art and music, logic, leadership, acceptable behavior, and a sense of self. Below are a few examples of work which will be completed by your student.

Field Trips

Every month there is one field trip which is scheduled. These field trips are based around monthly themes as well as the Utah Pre-Kindergarten Core Standards. A few places that have already been planned for the Fall 2011 are: Dentist, Fire Station, Police Station, Grocery Store, Veterinarian, and the Park. This is a great time for parents to volunteer their time and help with transportation and extra eyes/hands.

Available Classes/Prices

All Fall Classes for 2011 are as follows, and start September 6th:

3 year old: Tues/Thurs 9:00-11:00 a.m. 

4 year old: Tues/Wed/Thurs 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Wednesdays class is at 8:30-11:30 and is optional. The price is the same. 

The 3 year-old class is $70.00 a month with a non-refundable $75.00 deposit which holds your child's spot, pays for supplies, and field trips.
The 4 year-old class is $100.00 a month with a non-refundable $75.00 deposit which holds your child's spot, pays for supplies, and field trips.

EXPLORE

Allows kids to imagine by dressing up.
Just a few of the books we will read.


3 year-olds will practice tracing letters

A center where students learn to cut, color, and glue

A basic checklist used to see where your child is excelling and needs extra help
A comfortable and safe classroom setting

A science/art project where students tear the paper, strengthening their fingers and movement for better writing

Monthly students will have an "interview" with me expressing their school experience or something fun they have done.
 The interviews will be posted on the private classroom blogs. This will be the schools newsletter. It is a fun way for students to share and express themselves.
A worksheet 3-year olds will complete. Learning to color neatly and recognize letters.

Primary Color Identification will be taught to all classes. 4-year olds will learn songs to help with spelling the colors.

A field trip to the fire station

Painting a pumpkin.