Outside time is a time for socialization, gross motor development and above all–FUN!! Children are encouraged to try new things and to increase their abilities by using their self confidence to realize “I will try, I can succeed, I%27ve reached my goal”!!!! All the while being cheered on by their friends, the parent participators and all the staff!
Our teachers work diligently with each child to help them fulfill their true potential and challenge the children to reach higher in their quest for knowledge. Cognitive skills in children are built using age appropriate and developmentally appropriate activities that challenge the children%27s minds and bodies to always have a thirst for knowledge and a lifelong love of learning!
Field trips often revolve around a theme. In our Kindergarten/First Grade class, the children have passports as they travel a different country each month. They take a walking field trip to a nearby restaurant with their Dads and Moms and experience first-hand the food from a different country, how to order off a menu and practice their good manners. They not only learn about the countries they are visiting but also have the opportunity to experience the art, cultural aspects and the cuisine!
Rodeo Day is a big hit with the children when the petting zoo comes to visit and brings a wide variety of animals for the children to hold, feed and brush. We also examine our Arizona heritage by dressing in Western gear and talking about the pioneers who settled Arizona so long ago. Yee haw!!!!
We try to bring as many experiences for the children as we can to our campus. We have a week of Vehicles/Transportation in which we have fire trucks, ambulances, front end loaders, police cars etc. The children learn about the job each vehicle does and how it impacts our lives. During Community Helpers week, the children are able to ask questions of veterinarians, firefighters, dentists, police officers, doctors, postal workers, etc., so they are aware of the services these people in our lives perform. We also have a “Stone Soup” feast every year during which we talk about community and how we can each be a contributing member.
Manipulative play is an important part in a child%27s development. Playing with Duplos enhances eye/hand coordination, cause and effect, and patterning as a pre-math skill. Fine motor skills are very important to a child%27s pre-writing/ writing development.