The Learning Playhouse Day Care focuses on the idea that each child is a unique individual. The Learning Playhouse Day Care Curriculum will follow a curriculum program that includes choice time, small- and large-group time.
In addition, our classroom setting is divided into various learning centers where the children can play and express themselves. The children are encouraged to choose for themselves the centers where they will play. The opportunity to select a center of choice fosters independence and self-confidence. In all, our learning centers allow children the opportunity to explore, problem-solve, and investigate, thereby encouraging creativity.
Circle Time:
Children sit together with teachers at the carpet area during morning and afternoon message. Through songs, Read Aloud, and hands on activities, children will learn the alphabet, days of the week, months of the year, weather/seasons, and themes such as families, friendships, transportations, community helpers, author study, etc. Together they will share special moments such as "Show and Tell," "Star Student," “Traveling Class Mascot,” “All About Me,” etc.
Library and Literacy Center:
The library center is a focal point of literacy learning in the classroom. Books and materials are rotated within these centers to support and encourage exploration of different themes or topics of interest. In the literacy area children have the opportunity to develop core literacy concepts such as oral language, phonemic awareness, concepts of print, concepts of books, and alphabet knowledge. They spend time exploring emergent reading and writing activities. Listening and thinking skills are enhanced as they listen and tell and retell stories. When children participate in activities in the literacy area, they are developing a love for books and stories, which will support their learning throughout their lives. The Math Center:
The Math and concepts area encourages exploration of a concepts related to math, as well as, literacy. During exploration with toys, games, and other tools found in this area, children are able to practice counting, sequencing, matching, sorting, and classifying, all of which support their literacy development.
The Art and Creativity Center:
Art is important for children’s creative development, as well as, all other aspects of development. Art enhances their literacy development by allowing them to reflect, expand on stories, and create their own stories. In the art area children are given the opportunities to learn important art concepts and creativity, identify colors and shapes, refine hand-eye coordination, develop small and large muscle skills, express feelings, practice sharing, experience pride, and much more! Writing down the children’s description of their artwork is a great way to build vocabulary and it helps children make the connection between thoughts, spoken, and written words. Describing artwork also helps children develop verbal communication and comprehension skills.
Puzzles and Manipulative Center:
Puzzles, games, and manipulatives offer children lots of practice with fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and logical thinking skills. These all help promote language, literacy, and fine motor development.
Blocks and Building Center:
In the block and building area, children explore and manipulate a variety of blocks, building materials, and other related items. Children use language to communicate with other children and teachers as they explain, share, and describe their activities in this area. Concepts of print are developed as children read signs and books related to this center. Children begin to write as they draw and label pictures of the things they are constructing in this area. In the Block & Building are children have the opportunity to develop many cognitive skills as they begin to conceptualize size, shape, color, quantity and measurement. They practice social skills when they share, negotiate for materials, and collaborate with other children. Symbolic thinking is developed as they create models of architectural elements from their world.
Job Center:
Children are given jobs and responsibilities to do within the classroom that benefit the group as a whole, as well as allow them to feel confident and independent.