Curriculum
The Early Childhood (EC) program begins a student’s journey through Rohan Woods School. The focus in Early Childhood is learning academic skills in a way that allows each child to gain knowledge and skills at an individual pace while having fun–a concept we call purposeful play. EC students are introduced to foundational mathematical concepts; including, the calendar, numerical recognition, and patterns. Science themes are incorporated into the fabric of everyday work. Based on the interests and curiosities of young children, skill in observing, experimenting, graphing, and problem-solving are done while encouraging them to try new activities. Your student is introduced to colors, shapes, letters, and numbers in fun and creative ways.
Concepts are are found throughout the curricula in the EC program; including, letter recognition, vocabulary development, and phonemic awareness. Songs, poems, shared reading, and oral communication are utilized in the EC classroom as the children build their skill development through practicing listening and forming questions with peers and adults.
Communication and play are very important parts of the Early Childhood curriculum. Words and actions are modeled by older peers during buddy times, and teachers help facilitate and offer the words needed for peer interaction. The classroom is arranged for group or independent play to foster social growth by letting the children enter into social opportunities when they are ready. An openness to structured group play and parallel play (children playing alongside each other) helps build a sense of safety and security for the children. Our Early Childhood students have the freedom to make their own choices when the situation allows which builds self confidence and social awareness.
Each student in the Early Childhood Program experiences everything the older children do – from participating in all-school assemblies and performances, to being an integral part of the buddy program and attending specialty classes including PE (everyday), Spanish, and Music/Drama.
The development of fine motor and self-help skills fosters independence in each child. Children experience a variety of writing tools to focus on emergent writing skills. In order for students to become more independent, adaptive skill instruction in snapping, lacing and pouring occurs. Students are encouraged to try new experiences and become an active contributor to the classroom community.
Students in the EC Program have plenty of play time built naturally into the program to facilitate socialization, cognitive development, and problem solving. In order to build a sense of community, they have an opportunity to play with students in our pre-kindergarten program as well as with their older buddies.
