Breakfast - All students are offered free
breakfast.
Free Choice & Mystery Question - Each child is
individually greeted and made to feel welcome for a relaxed introduction to
learning. Children have the opportunity for free choice play. They are
presented with an interactive problem solving “Mystery Question” designed to
stimulate curiosity and inspire future learning.
Opening Group - During opening group the students
review the calendar and weather. Physical self -regulation is embedded into all
activities (i.e., freeze). Community building /share the news/ and message of the
day are implemented during opening group.
Make Believe Play - Make believe play introduces play
planning and play in child centers.
Large group Literacy - Includes buddy reading and graphics
practice.
Outside Motor Play - Promotes competence and confidence in
activities that require gross and fine motor skills. Activities are designed to
enhance physical, cognitive, and social development through theme related
movement activities.
Small Group Math/Science - Includes in depth small group math and
science experiences encourage children to interact pursue problem solving
strategies and reflect on their learning.
Rest & Quiet Time - Children have the opportunity
to rest and gain more energy before moving on to the second half of their day.
Snack Time - Children’s health, hygiene, and
interpersonal skills are enhanced with discussion, exploration and guidance.
Children are guided to develop their knowledge and the skills necessary to make
nutritious food choices.
Literacy Small Group - Capitalize on children’s natural and
spontaneous interactions with literacy in the world around them. This time
utilizes a wide variety of interesting opportunities, which allow children to
make connections across the daily components of “Tools” and beyond the academic
setting.
Closing Group - Provides children with the
opportunity to discuss their day and learning experiences with peers, while
creating a climate that values dialogue, questions, and active listening.
Children are encouraged to share such experiences with their families.
For children in Kindergarten a typical day includes:
- Mystery Question;
- Calendar Math &
Movement;
- Social Studies/Science with
a thematic focus;
- Opening Group:
- Community Building/Share
The news
- Message of the Day
- Embedding ELA components;
- Comprehension (skills &
strategy)
- High Frequency Words
- Oral Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Phonemic Awareness/Phonics
- Guided Reading
- Mathematics;
- Outside Gross Motor Play;
- Writing & Grammar;
- Specials —Gym/Music/Dance/
Instrumental/Art;
- Exploration stations
(integration of science & social studies);
- Buddy reading &
Rhymes/Poetry and;
-
Reflection/ Closing Group/homework
Families at the
Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center are encouraged to stay
actively involved in their children’s learning. The home school connection
resources, include but are not limited to, district and teacher web pages, home
visits, book clubs, class celebrations, lending library, weekly theme
activities, and informative parent workshops. These aspects of our program help
keep families informed of their children’s school experiences so family members
can support their learning.
The Early Learning Center has a comprehensive staff consisting of
certified teachers, instructional assistants, PIRT Team, special education
teachers, in-class support teachers, speech/language specialists, occupational
and physical therapists, student advisers, master teacher, school nurse, safe
school environment personnel and a building principal. The comprehensive
educational atmosphere allows all children to begin a lifetime of learning.