Foundation Areas of Learning for Early Childhood Education

Prerequisite:

Open to students who are 4 years old by June 2024

Course Description:

How much enjoyment and learning can a preschooler fit into one day? This is a program which develops, stimulates, and extends multiple areas of learning for young children - social skills, thinking skills, creative skills, early literacy and numeracy skills, fine and gross motor skills and self help skills. This course focuses on building a foundation for academic learning within the context of a caring preschool learning environment, through the medium of play. Teaching strategies will incorporate processes that are developmentally appropriate, responsive to individual needs, child-centered and engage the children in the love of learning.

Learner Outcomes:

Students will:

  • Enjoy learning through play
  • Develop social and communication skills
  • Develop a range of thinking skills, both creative and problem-solving
  • Develop fine and gross motor skills
  • Develop foundation skills for literacy and numeracy
  • Develop self help skills
  • Develop a positive sense of self

Methodology:

  • Integrated learning
  • Social constructivist teaching approach
  • Developmentally appropriate teaching and learning experiences
  • Child-center focus
  • Incorporation of teaching strategies from Reggio Emilia
  • Learning through play
  • Incorporating inquiry into daily activities

Assessment:

 

  • Anecdotal notes
  • Review of completed art work
  • Notations on use of manipulatives or building materials
  • Quotes reflecting questions raised or insights contributed
  • Observational data on social skills

Course Offerings