Preschool Room
We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to working closely with your family throughout the coming months.
In the Preschool Room we strive to provide a safe, happy, stimulating, caring and fun environment in which your child will develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. In order to accomplish this, LB follows the High Scope preschool educational approach, and our classroom uses Conscious Discipline(R).
The cornerstone of High Scope is active learning, “learning in which the child, by acting on objects and interacting with people, ideas, and events, constructs new understanding” (Hohmann and Weikart, 1995, p.17) Stated simply, children learn concepts and form ideas through self-initiated activities-moving, listening, searching, feeling, manipulating-in which the adult takes on the role of participant-observer not director. For young children, this exploration and learning occurs naturally through their play. When engaging in play, children experience the critical elements of active learning: direct action on objects, reflection on actions, intrinsic motivation, invention, and problem solving (Hohmann and Weikart, 1995, p.17).
As part of the High Scope daily routine, children plan their activities and are provided with a variety of materials that they are free to explore and manipulate while using their own language to describe what they are doing. Teachers provide verbal and nonverbal support while the children plan their activities, engage in their activities during work time, and then recall their activities in a small group setting; thus the “Plan-Do-Review” process. The teachers follow the children’s lead when discussing their ideas and activities, and work with the children to solve any problems that may arise. The daily routine also includes outside play, large group time, and small group activities.
Our class is divided into three small groups. Small group time is part of our morning routine and can include a variety of activities, all with the same underlying routine and purpose: active learning through exploration. Each teacher works closely with the group of children to observe, interact with, and support the children in their group. Your child’s small group teacher will send home a journal with in-depth entries about your child’s activities once a week.
“Conscious Discipline® is a comprehensive classroom management program and a social-emotional curriculum. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. Conscious Discipline® has been specifically designed to make changes in the lives of adults first. The adults, in turn, change the lives of children.
Conscious Discipline® is a way of organizing… classrooms around the concept of a School Family. Each member of the family–both adult and child–learns the skills needed to successfully manage life tasks such as learning, forming relationships, communicating effectively, being sensitive to others’ needs and getting along with others.” (http://www.consciousdiscipline.com)
We incorporate family rituals and routines throughout our day to help the children feel safe and have fun. We see conflict as opportunities to teach, and focus on ways to be kind and helpful instead of hurtful.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation in making your child’s experience in the Preschool Room a fun-filled educational experience. Please let us know how we can help you with anything, and we will be sure to do the same.