Students learn to read through the use of phonics. As soon as the short sounds of the vowels and the sounds for only three consonants are introduced, they are able to sound out their first words. Later, they learn to read many more words, including words that contain two vowels and words that contain special sounds (such as "sh" and "ar"). Their reading vocabulary naturally grows with each new sounds learned.
In Numbers, the students learn to count and recognize numbers 1 through 100. Addition concepts are taught up through the sum of 10, and beginning subtraction concepts are introduced. Students also learn to work with telling time and money.
Writing.
Students learn to write in a program that is correlated with their phonics. As they learn to recognize the letters of the alphabet and learn what sound they say, they also learn to write them. Later, they learn to write blends, words, and sentences. Students will be taught manuscript ("ball" and "stick") style handwriting.
Skills Development, Activity Time, and Language Enrichment.
During Skills Development, students learn visual perception skills, motor coordination, and listening/thinking skills. During Activity Time, they enjoy music, art, a unit on Community Helpers, an introduction to American history and geography, and a chance to learn about children in other countries. Second semester, they enjoy learning about the world around them. During Language Enrichment, then learn positional words and opposites, rhyming words and analogies, drama, and poetry. They will also have a chance to share their experiences and ideas during "Sharing Time."
Students enrolled in our Early Childhood Program with special learning needs - such as advanced learning, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder (with or without hyperactivity), or disorders affecting sensory perception, processing, or memory - may be eligible to participate in our H.E.R.O. Program. For more information about our H.E.R.O. Program, click HERE.