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Curriculum
Noah's Ark Christian Preschool curriculum is based on the philosophy that all children can learn the skills necessary to succeed in school, that each child learns at their own rate, that success in learning will develop the child's self-image and the knowledge that Jesus loves them will sustain them throughout their life.
Our preschool bases its curriculum on the theories of two early childhood experts, Jean Piaget and Howard Gardner. Jean Piaget observed that "play is essential to the development of the child," therefore each teacher creates an environment that enriches and extends children's play. The teachers understand that not all children learn in the same way and incorporate Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence, which includes interpersonal, intrapersonal, musical, visual-spatial, verbal-linguistic, bodily kinesthetic, mathematical-logical and naturalistic, in all areas of the curriculum in order to build on each child's strengths. Our classrooms are designed to offer children a wide variety of activities that are developmentally appropriate so they can discover their creative potential and choose activities that will help them develop their physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills.
Preschoolers are usually most responsive to activities in which they are involved in a "hands-on" manner. Our teachers accept that and design their classroom spaces with "learning stations" at which your child can freely choose to participate. Our quality staff, rotate and add materials frequently to maintain and extend your child's interest. Often our teachers create their own games and materials if commercial ones do not offer the challenge needed, or do not reflect the interests of the children. Young children seem to learn best when trained teachers build on the interests and abilities of the children. This reflects the currently recognized theory that endorses non-pressured, child-centered activities guided by an adult with a solid child development base and strong problem-solving skills. In such a program, parents truly become partners with the professional staff. Information or discoveries about your child's development are mutually shared, resulting in a program tailored to your child.
In addition, Noah's Ark Christian Preschool is dedicated to the spiritual growth of your child. Age appropriate Bible stories are introduced using books, flannel boards, songs and prayers. The BUMC Pastor visits the children weekly to help develop their relationship with Jesus.
Curriculum Areas & Learning Centers
Noah's Ark Christian Preschool curriculum includes activities centering on spirituality, communication, science, math, social studies, music, art, large and small motor development. An enrichment program that includes field trips and visitors is offered. Dramatic play opportunities reinforce learning of practical life experiences.
Spiritual Growth: Our preschool offers many opportunities throughout the day to encourage your child's spiritual growth. The BUMC Pastor will introduce a new Bible story each week that is reinforced by the teachers during the week using flannel boards, songs and various props. Children start their class with prayer and learn several different snack prayers throughout the year. The children will occasionally visit the sanctuary and chapel to further their understanding of the church.
Language/Communication: We offer a print-rich environment so that children see words in almost every area of the classroom. We encourage experimentation with different writing materials. The children are guided by knowledgeable teachers who understand the importance of these early attempts at writing. In addition, Jolly Phonics is introduced to the children in our four-year-old program.
Science: Open-ended questions by the trained teacher help the children learn how to question - how to be thinkers. Hands-on activities include using simple machines and sensory table play. The sensory table encourages children in tactile experiences through creative play using sand, water, beans, rice and other materials.
Math: Activities include concepts of shapes, seriation, classification, sets, patterns, quantity, length, weight and simple graphs.
Social Studies: Learning about the "world around us" is the focus of this curriculum area. Field trips and studies of occupations are included.
Music: Exposure to and involvement with simple rhythm instruments is part of our music program. Rhythms are also "practiced" by the learning of songs and finger plays. Guest musicians visit the children to give exposure to a variety of sound and diverse musical styles. Tone, volume, and pitch awareness is part of the music curriculum.
Art: Our staff understands the importance of open-ended process art experiences that enable the child to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially and creatively. Exploratory, sensory art activities help the children experience a variety of media. Paints, chalk, pencils, paper, markers, glue, paste and play dough are all available in a "free choice" activity center for the children to use as they wish.
Large Motor: Movement activities including free dance, parachute handling, climbing, crawling, running, and balancing are just a small part of the large motor program. A large muscle room is available on inclement days when the outdoor playground is not available.
Small Motor: From the handling of simple tools to completing pegboards, children are continually offered opportunities to develop their smaller muscles, an important prerequisite for writing.
Dramatic Play: From "playing house" to being a cashier in a pretend grocery store to repairing cardboard automobiles in a child-sized garage, the children are able to practice roles that productive adults hold.