Our preschool environment consists of two phases:
Ages 2-3 and Ages 3-6
Each with their own classrooms and playgrounds
Toddler Class
The Unconscious Absorbent Mind:
The child absorbs but cannot always remember.
During this period, toddlers develop different functions related to movement and intellect – each at first separately and then in combination. This phase is also termed the “unconscious creator”, in which children absorb the environment around them and construct their reality.
TEACHER:
Ms Joey Keyser
Assistant: Marlene Jantjies
CLASS:
1 x Class
Approximately 16 Children
ROUTINE:
- Indoor free play (playdough & block play)
- Ring time (songs, poems, presentations, culture)
- 1 and a half hour work cycle
- Outdoor free play
- Lunch
- Naptime
- Potty training/nappy changing
PROGRAMME:
In a nurturing, caring environment children are introduced to the rules of the classroom and playground.
The development of relationship skills is very important: getting on with self and others, learning to accept boundaries, to respect the rights of others, and to stand up for one’s own rights.
Emphasis is also placed on developing language skills and encouraging independence.
Additional activities (outsourced, at an additional cost) available to this group are: ballet, big builders, and swimming (summer only).
AGES 3-6
The Absorbent Mind:
The child is able to absorb, seemingly without effort, from the environment in which he / she lives.
At this age, these youngsters are transforming into the “conscious worker”. Children become absorbed in perfecting activities they only observed during the 0-3 year old age group. 80% of the child’s brain is developed within the first six years of life – a time which forms the foundation for later living and learning.
The will of the child is developed through encouragement and praise, which in turn develops concentration. Using the sensitive period of repetition the child is encouraged to aim for perfection. Consequently, independence, self-confidence, and concentration are achieved. Early education is vital.
The 3-6 year olds need to learn to make a clear distinction between fantasy and reality and teachers and parents alike help them in making this distinction.
TEACHERS:
Mrs Tania Wentzell
Ms Tatu Smurfit
Assistants: Modie Mbonde & Hilda Jantjies
CLASSES:
Seahorse Class and Loerie Class
Approximately 22 Children per age group
ROUTINE:
- Indoor free play (playdough, colouring, block building)
- Ring time (songs, poems, months, days, weather, date, culture presentations)
- 3 hour work cycle
- Outdoor free play
- Lunch (serving and washing own plates)
- Story time
- Nature walks and The Hub visits
PROGRAMME:
The children work with specially designed Montessori materials, which provide a concrete base to abstract understanding. Formalised learning of writing, reading, and numeracy also begins during this stage.
The programme is balanced with outings to places of interest. Drama is encouraged and all children take part in the annual play, as well as celebrating festival days. The playground is designed to encourage balance, large muscle co-ordination, and ball skills.
Additional activities (outsourced, at an additional cost) available to this group are: Ballet, Big builders, French and swimming (summer only).
