Here at La Cristianita, we utilize a play-based preschool curriculum designed to ignite the curiosity and creativity of young learners. Our goal is to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can engage in purposeful play while developing essential social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. Through a balance of structured activities and free exploration, our curriculum encourages children to actively discover and learn at their own pace.
Benefits of Play-Based Preschool Curriculum:
1. Holistic Development: Play-based learning promotes the overall development of the “whole child”, including cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language skills.
2. Intrinsic Motivation: Play-driven activities foster a sense of intrinsic motivation, leading to a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
3. Hands-on Learning: Through hands-on experiences and interactive play, children gain a deeper understanding of concepts presented to them.
4. Creativity and Imagination: Play allows children to unleash their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities.
5. Social Skills: Interacting with peers during play helps children develop important social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and empathy.
Curriculum Areas:
1. Language and Literacy:
– Storytelling sessions with props and puppets
– Pretend play center with a focus on language-rich interactions
– Rhyme and song exploration for phonemic awareness
– Pre-writing skills practice, building finger and hand strength and dexterity
2. Mathematics:
– Counting and sorting activities, number practice and recognition
– Shape and color recognition through games and puzzles
– Measurement and comparison using everyday objects
3. Science and Nature:
– Sensory exploration with natural materials
– Simple science experiments that spark creativity and encourage those “ah-ha!” moments
– Gardening and observing plant growth, cosmic education, building an understanding of the world
4. Arts and Crafts:
– Open-ended art activities using various mediums
– Creative expression through music and dance
– Dramatic play with dress-up costumes and props
5. Physical Development:
– Gross motor play (climbing, jumping, balancing)
– Fine motor activities (cutting, drawing, threading beads)
– Yoga and relaxation exercises for body awareness
6. Social and Emotional Learning:
– Circle time for sharing feelings and experiences and building listening skills
– Cooperative games to foster teamwork and empathy
– Conflict resolution and emotional regulation building exercises
7. Outdoor Play and Nature Exploration:
– Nature walks and scavenger hunts
– Sand and water play for sensory experiences
– Gross motor activities on the playground
The La Cristianita curriculum provides a flexible and child-centered approach. Each day includes a mix of teacher-guided activities, child-initiated play, and opportunities for individual and group exploration. Teachers act as facilitators, observing and guiding children’s play, and providing intentional interventions when needed to extend learning.