Language Arts:

In our upcoming Language Arts program, students will engage in both reading and writing activities. They will explore visual representations, craft personal narratives, express opinions, and reflect on their readings. Additionally, during nature walks, they will observe and learn to write about what they see using their five senses. We will focus on phonics, grammar structures, and individualized instruction tailored to each student’s level. Students will practice printing letters, forming words, and constructing sentences. Guided reading, audiobooks, and beginner-level reading texts will enhance their comprehension skills. Through short stories and small chapter books, we will foster reading comprehension and encourage the development of writing and writing ideas. We will also add workbooks helping on penmanship.

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Spanish:

This program will represent an exciting extension of our reading and writing curriculum. Children will receive guidance in reading and writing in Spanish, which can be incorporated into our daily schedule for all subjects. The instructions will be provided in both languages, initially in Spanish and then in English. Children who have been already immersed in Spanish Immersion will have advanced instructions than those without or limited Spanish exposure.

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Library:

Our library will offer a diverse selection of informative literature designed to challenge each student. This collection will encompass beginner’s readers, engaging chapter books, and foster the beginning of independent reading skills. As an extension of our Language Arts program, it will also feature Spanish books, including beginner’s readers and mini chapter books in Spanish.

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Math:

Children will embark on a journey to grasp fundamental math concepts and skills. They’ll develop a keen number sense, understanding quantities in terms of more or less, as well as mastering addition, subtraction, and basic number facts. Estimation, pattern recognition, calendar awareness, and shape comprehension will also be part of their mathematical exploration. Additionally, they’ll dig deeper into number bonds (such as 2 + 2 = 4) and learn simple mental math concepts like 1 + 1 = 2, 2 + 1 = 3, and 3 + 2 = 5. Engaging math games and props, such as dice and mini cubes, will enhance their understanding and foster a lifelong love for mathematics.

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Cooking:

Children will actively participate in preparing and serving their own snacks. They’ll not only contribute ideas for delicious treats but also explore creative alternatives inspired by the dishes and snacks featured in the Forest Feast for Kids book by Erin Gleeson. As part of our recipe preparation and cooking classes, children will gain practical knowledge about measurements, including ounces, cups, and pounds, all while enjoying the culinary process.

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Science:

This interdisciplinary program would engage students in a rich exploration of the natural world. It seamlessly integrates various disciplines, including biology, meteorology, and environmental science. Through hands-on experiences, students will use their five senses to study life cycles of plants and animals, and the fascinating rain cycle. They’ll also venture beyond the classroom to study the changing seasons, observe forest creatures, and discover the wonders of small sea life in our SF/Oakland Bay. An educational field trip will play an essential part. Visual aids like slides and informative images from books and magazines will enhance their understanding. Additionally, this science curriculum can intersect with the Art and Garden programs, creating a holistic educational experience. Daily hikes and explorations will spark emergent themes, fostering curiosity and a deeper connection to the natural world.

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Gardening:

Within this captivating learning environment, students will explore the fascinating world of science. Our focus will be on understanding the diversity of plants and flowers, including exploring the life cycles of edible flowers and plants such as green beans, carrots, and squash. We also will create insect habitats, inviting both flying and crawling creatures to thrive. Our forest outdoor classroom will serve as a hub for investigation, sparking curiosity about what resides in the soil and the intricate ecosystems of gardens. As part of their learning journey, children will embark on mini projects, each lasting a few weeks or even a couple of months. Gardening will now take center stage as a subject that evolves with the changing seasons.

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Music:

Exploring Music and Language Development for Young Children.

In the vibrant world of early childhood education, music plays a pivotal role in nurturing young minds. Here’s how we can enrich their learning experience in the lower grades:

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Sounds and Rhythms: Children would dive into the captivating universe of sounds and rhythms. They would explore the beat of drums, the melodic chime of xylophones, and the soulful strumming of guitars. Through these sensory experiences, they will develop an innate sense of rhythm and timing.
Age-Appropriate Genres: We would introduce them to diverse musical genres tailored to their developmental stage. From playful nursery rhymes to classical compositions, each genre sparks curiosity and cultivates an appreciation for musical diversity.
Instrumental Exploration: Little fingers would dance across xylophone keys, pluck guitar strings, and flutter over flute openings. As they learn basic notes, they unlock the magic of creating their own melodies. Instruments would become their companions on this musical journey.
Multilingual Melodies: Beyond English, we encourage singing in Spanish. The lyrical beauty of another language enhances their linguistic repertoire. They embrace longer songs, moving beyond preschool favorites, and discover the joy of storytelling through more advanced music.
Language Building: Music prompts weave seamlessly into language development. Lyrics become bridges connecting words and emotions. Children effortlessly absorb vocabulary, syntax, and expressive nuances, all while harmonizing with the melodies.

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Art

Art and Writing Fusion: Nurturing Creativity

In our dynamic curriculum, the world of art intertwines seamlessly with the magic of words. Here’s how we would continue to ignite young minds:

Collages and Murals: Students would explore diverse art forms, from vibrant collages to captivating murals. They would use various media, prints, and tools, creating visual masterpieces that reflect their imagination.
Nature’s Canvas: Nature becomes their canvas. Leaves, twigs, sand, sea shells, and clay transform into science-inspired creatures and artifacts. Each stroke bridges the gap between creativity and scientific wonder.
Sketchbooks and Diaries: Every student will get a sketchbook or diary—a sanctuary for their thoughts. Representational writing will blossom here, nurturing their storytelling skills. Mini stories will emerge, fueled by the fusion of art and language.

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Physical Education:

Every day, children will engage in a variety of physical activities, from dancing to music and playing games, to navigating obstacle courses. They will run, jump, stretch, and bend, all while incorporating more advanced yoga postures and capoeira moves. Additionally, their daily hikes and explorations contribute to keeping them in excellent physical condition.

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Computers:

In the realm of education, writing and reading remain fundamental. The occasional integration of electronic devices will serve a broader purpose. Students will engage with technology to explore various facets of learning. Here are some ways in which computers enhance the educational experience:

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Math Concepts: Interactive software and applications help students grasp mathematical concepts, from basic arithmetic to beginning geometry and possibly algebra. Visualizations and simulations will make abstract ideas more tangible.
Keyboard Proficiency: Learning to type efficiently is a crucial skill in today’s digital age. Students can practice keyboarding, improving their speed and accuracy.
Educational Games: Engaging games foster learning in an enjoyable manner. Word recognition games, puzzles, and interactive mini quizzes reinforce vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Word Fill-ins: Students complete sentences or paragraphs by filling in missing words. This exercise sharpens language skills and encourages critical thinking.
Building Vocabulary: Digital resources provide access to vast vocabularies. Students explore synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and context-based word usage.
Phonics: Interactive phonics programs enhance language acquisition. Students learn sound-letter associations, pronunciation, and decoding skills.
Grammar Mechanics: Grammar-checking tools help students refine their writing. From identifying subject-verb agreement to correcting punctuation, technology supports grammatical accuracy.