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CIRCLE TIME

Circle time is when students are gathered by age groups to review or introduce new concepts. Some typical things students review during circle time are:

• Reciting alphabet forwards & backwards

• Counting in different languages

• Weather song/observations

• Days of the week

• Helping hands (chores/jobs)

• Pledge of Allegiance

• Read aloud corresponding with theme of the day/week

• Discussions of current themes

• Songs that can be sung now or during transitions such as before meal time

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PRESCHOOL LEARNING

This is a major part of our preschool day when we focus on incorporating ART across the curriculum. Whether we are investigating letters/sounds, math/spatial skills, science concepts, nature inquiries, fine motor skills, or social/emotional awareness, you can find many activities/projects based around different art mediums. These lessons can focus on themes for the week/month, concepts students have been interested in, or needs the teachers feel are relevant at the time.

 

We have separate learning rooms for 2-3 year olds and 3-5 year olds. (We also have many opportunities for combined interaction times for all 2-5 year old children; we feel it is important to be leaders and active participants.) A question one may ask is, “Will my child’s learning be different when she’s three and when she’s five in the same room?”

 

The answer is YES!!! We are well aware that 2/3 and 4/5 year old developmental stages are VERY different. Even within a year span, kids learn differently...and that’s natural. At ABC Creativity Center, we differentiate our instruction based on the child’s ability and progress, scaffolding our questions and activities to meet their needs, while enriching those who are able. Here’s a concrete example of how differentiation can work during this time:

• Child 1: Traces name

• Child 2: Imitates a copy of some or all letters of name (however much he/she needs)

• Child 3: Write own name; focus on formation of good lines, curves, size, etc.

 

Sometimes students are pulled to work with their age level peers and other times they are pulled to work in a heterogenous group, where the older kids can help teach younger kids and act as a model.

 

As we differentiate, we keep these things in mind:

• 2-3 year olds are focusing on fine motor skills and parts of the group projects when able.

• 3-5 year olds are focusing on a kindergarten readiness program.

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ACTIVE INSIDE PLAY

“Active Inside Play” is when students are participating in a teacher facilitated game/activity to practice their gross motor skills such as musical chairs, yoga, indoor obstacle courses, dance, etc.
 

OPEN PLAY

ABC Creativity Center has a very strong structure in place for children to learn and grow. Unlike Active Indoor Play time, this is a time not directed completely by adults. At ABC, we value the fact that children want to make choices in their day, decide how and who to play with, be creative, encounter problems to be solved, work through emotions, and build confidence. These are all life skills that can eventually be applied in future schooling, work, and home life. This open play time respects children as decision makers with their own opinions and ideas while working with others.

 

Centers available through Open Play include:

• writing/drawing

• Building (various age appropriate materials for this)

• Music

• Sensory bins

• library/reading nook

• Kitchen/real life play

• Dress up/Dramatic play area

• Sorting skills

• Pretend play with toy dolls/animals, cars, etc.

• Train & light table

• Geography maps/velcro

You may find a dressed up tiger pushing trains or see a child use a block as a pretend phone in the kitchen. The possibilities are endless! Center materials & location in the preschool change often to keep students engaged.

 

During open play, preschoolers 2-5 years are all playing/learning together. We feel this is a benefit because people (adults included) will always be working with others who have varying ability levels and experiences. Because of this, students will have multiple opportunities to be leaders and/or active participants in the current project/game that is occurring.

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OUTSIDE PLAY

Our two park-like playgrounds are located on almost a full acre! Students LOVE Outside Play time (our nursery infants enjoy the fresh air, even if they are not yet mobile). Outside play time is so important because students get to connect with nature while working on their physical skills. We also utilize outside time to take walks in our neighborhood. Preschoolers go outside at least twice a day for about an hour each time in all seasons. (Bring the snow bib and boots in the winter!)

 

Students play games, find and learn about bugs, build forts with sticks, create pictures with chalk, sand and snow, build sand castles or snow creatures, practice gross motor skills on the equipment, ride on the various vehicles, use their outdoor voices, learn a game/song with an adult, check out the seasons based on observations around them, enhance social/emotional skills, and more.​

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PRESCHOOL SPECIALS & OPTIONAL CLASSES

SPECIALS

Having a routine is great, but it’s also beneficial to break things up to keep children’s brains stimulated.

 

Therefore, we like to have some special activities for the kids on occasion. These may include extra special themed/seasoned art, unique learning opportunities, sprinkler days in the summer, and walking field trips to neighboring places like Elm Grove Park or Goody’s! 

 

ABC also seeks out specialists in our community to bring the learning right to the kids. These can be a one time visit, weekly, or seasonal visits. Some examples of specials we have had are below:

• Reading specialist (read story with accompanying art activity)

• Teacher and parent guest lessons revolving around learning themes

• Theatre arts classes

• Wiggly Worm Composters (culminating worm project study)

• Reptile Adventures    

• Aquarium of Boise

• Boise Watershed

• Foothills Learning Center

 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Gem State Swim (June-August) ~2 days/wk

• Gem State Gymnastics (Sept-May) ~1 day/wk

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Student bussing to & from facility is included in cost of activity.

Sign ups & costs will be posted in advance at the center.

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