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Curricular Practices at Kindergarten
Daily activities are built in around the following practices, which set a framework for the overall development needs of this age group:
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Learning Centers: Math, language, music and art are learnt through observations in nature, construction (building blocks, clay), pretend play, reading and reuse-and-recycle centers. These offer children a place for learning and exploring at their own pace. Teachers are also observers, as they document the students' progress at work and play. |
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Circle Time: Skills of social interaction, listening, conversing, feeling, thinking, empathy and patience are learnt by sharing ideas and experiences with each other. Reflection and learning happens joyfully during circle times. |
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Reading: Appreciation of the written word starts early; first through read-aloud classes (K1). Class libraries ensure that children are introduced to the joy of reading right from the first day of school. They learn how to handle books, look at illustrations, create their own stories, and begin the process of learning to read. In K2, children continue to be encouraged in their natural curiosity in books and illustrations. They begin to exhibit reading-like behavior as they reconstruct familiar stories. Towards the end of K2, the children are able to read familiar text, labels, captions etc. |
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Science, Discovery and Explorations: Children at this age demonstrate a keen interest in exploring and discovering the world around them. The curriculum provides rich opportunities and stimuli from the immediate environment to encourage observation, investigation, exploration, questioning and documentation of their learning in myriad ways. |
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Sand and Water: Sand and water are not only soothing play material, but also stimulating to the imagination. Sand play is a major catalyst for developing concepts, constructing language, and promoting social skills. Sand play gives children a chance to explore science concepts like wet and dry, volume, pouring and sifting, and other cause and effect in a hands-on way. It improves fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. It is a great group activity. |
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Cooking, Baking and other work skills help children experience the joy of everyday tasks, while incorporating a multitude of math, science and language skills.. |
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Gardening and working with nature plays an important role in developing sensitivity to the environment, developing observational skills and assuming responsibility through acts of caring and nurturing. |
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Clay Work and Pottery help develop fine motor skills and creative expression. |
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Block Play nurtures creative thinking and enables articulation of ideas. |
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Dramatic/Symbolic Play gives the child the opportunity to explore a world of fantasy, as well as express a view of the world as she sees it. |
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Art and Craft are integral to the way children learn and document their learning, experiences and feelings. It is a powerful means to connect to the child's world. |
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Music and Movement: Children engage in creative dance movements; learn to play musical instruments and to sing. |
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Theatre, story telling and puppetry are used to develop the child's social, emotional and communication skills. It is a useful tool during thematic teaching |
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Community Connections: : The curriculum facilitates regular interactions with the community. Parent and grandparent volunteers accompany children on field trips and participate in theme activities. Field trips to surrounding farms enable children interact with local communities and understand their culture and lifestyles. |
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Physical education, games, and movement: includes swings, slides, balancing beams, rope ladders, obstacles etc. Children are guided by trained professionals to develop coordination, team work, independence and confidence. |
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Physical education, games, and movement: Adventure and outdoor experiential projects are an important part of the morning session. Children, under the guidance of trained professionals, develop motor coordination, teamwork, independence and confidence. |
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Excursions and field trips help widen knowledge of the environment, besides expanding skills in observation. |
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