Little Learners Educational Program Overview
Academics
By utilizing a balanced program of thematically-based, hands-on activities in STEAM (science, social studies, technology/engineering, art and mathematics), our staff is able to present our Little Learners with information that appeals to all their senses, encouraging learning while having fun.
As with our Walkers, structure is very important in the Little Learners class. Preschool age children need a sense of routine; a schedule that allows for repeated behaviors helps them to feel safe.
Each day upon entering the classroom, children are greeted by the staff with a warm smile and lots of hugs and cuddles. The Little Learners are then guided to put their personal belongings away in their individual storage area and are off to 20 minutes of free play.
My daughter has never been so positive or enthusiastic about attending any school program or camp as she has been with RNS.
Lisa S.
Activities
During Free Play, the Little Learners have access to a selection of activities that drive social and emotional development, crucial for this age group. Building blocks, art supplies, puzzles and pretend play activities are set out for the children to choose from on their own. This freedom to choose their own activity helps to encourage independence and decision making in your child.
Following Free Play, the Little Learners join their friends and staff on the rug for Circle Time. Circle Time is one of the daily routines designed to provide structure and usually takes place around the same time each day. During Circle Time, staff and children sit together on the rug and begin to develop a sense of community. Little Learners will begin Circle Time with a song or short story, explore the weather, calendar and discuss the theme/activity planned for the day. At this age, we see the two-year-old begin to feel more comfortable sharing his or her thoughts and feelings. Circle Time is a place where they can do so comfortably, and where staff encourages this type of sharing through the Conscious Discipline model.
Following Circle Time, Little Learners move to the table area for a healthy snack and then continue with their Group Activity/Lesson. Here, the children work collectively on the daily thematic lesson. This activity can range from a science experiment, an art project, following a recipe, or even constructing and building a specific item.
As the Little Learners complete their Group Activity/Lesson, Tray Work is set out around the room with games and activities specifically designed to encourage fine motor and cognitive development.
Daily visits to our playground, multi-purpose room for Music, Yoga, Pottery and Cooking are also part of your child’s RNS curriculum.
Through the implementation of thematically based, hands-on activities across the subjects, free play, and encouraged exploration, our curriculum keeps the Development Continuum Skills at the forefront of the program while our experienced and nurturing teachers work to encourage your child’s progress in those areas in which they are ready to advance.
RNS’s staff is so welcoming, the teachers, aides, and directors are like family. They are warm and kind, really engage with the children and give everyone individual attention.
Cinthya H.