Sunshine Preschool Curriculum
Unique to Sunshine’s preschool program is our “Three Components of Learning.” This concept provides children with a balanced approach to preparing for the challenges of kindergarten and elementary school. These components include socialization, academics, and character.
Socialization
The classroom is an ideal environment for children to learn how to cooperate and share with their peers. Whether it is learning to cooperatively build a house with wooden blocks or playing imaginative games on the playground, children are encouraged to work together in a positive and considerate way. Socialization is accomplished through:
- Indoor free play
- Outdoor free play
- Activity Centers
- Snack/lunch
- Share circle
- Dramatic play
Character Development Program
Perhaps the most unique of Sunshine’s “Three Components of Learning” is it’s “Character Education” component, developed by the founders of the school. This character curriculum is built into the very fabric of Sunshine preschool, teaching children personal responsibility, respect for others, and the value of compassion and caring. Each month, our entire school focuses on a particular character trait and its definition. Children are encouraged to be respectful, kind, polite, honest and fair. When they display these traits, they receive praise and positive reinforcement. Sunshine teachers work very closely with parents in reinforcing these character traits both in the school and home environment.
The Character Traits of the Month are:
August – Obedience and Respect
“Doing what you are told the first time with a happy heart.”
(Also known as “first-time listening.”)
September – Attentiveness
“Listening with my ears, my eyes, my heart, and my body.”
October – Forgiveness
“To forget someone’s wrong doing.”
November – Thankfulness
“Saying thank-you when someone is kind to you.”
December – Generosity
“Giving to others without expecting anything in return.”
January – Citizenship
“Obeying the laws of the land.”
February – Love
“Thinking of others before yourself.”
March – Honesty
“Truthful words and truthful ways.”
April – Responsibility
“Doing what you’re supposed to do when you’re supposed to do it.”
May – Patience
“Waiting with a happy heart.”
June – Kindness
“Treating others the same way you would like to be treated.”
July – Tenderhearted
“Feeling the joys and hurts of others.”
Academics
At our preschool, children are gradually taught simple academic concepts starting with shapes and colors. They then move on to number concepts, alphabetic letter and sound recognition and then perfecting their penmanship. Creative teachers teach these concepts through visual, auditory, and physical activities. The secret ingredients to our success in academics are creativity and fun- setting the stage for a true love of learning. Sunshine focuses on academic achievement in the following areas:
- Pre-reading skills
- Literature
- Penmanship
- Phonics
- Reading and Comprehension
- Oral Language
- Math
- Social Studies
- Science
- Life Science
- Earth Science
- Health Science
- Colors
- Physical Education
- Music
- Art
- Computer Skills
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