Foothills Academy Early Childhood
Walking through the door of our early childhood classroom, it is evident that the many languages of children are honored at the outset. Whether it be a scribble representing a map to the zoo or a block building imitating a fantastic castle, the children’s creations are honorably displayed on the walls and tables. The mission of the school sits at its most basic in this classroom where the children are encouraged to express themselves and their personal knowledge through a variety of modes and methods.
Jill Carstens, ECE lead teacher
Thriving socially
Through a daily repertoire of activities, children work together, mingle and learn from one another. Projects are at the heart of their business, while learning how to interact, take direction and gain independence are the constant threads at hand. A sense of community and personal relationships are a priority as teachers model ways to interact positively. Preschoolers gain a solid base for thriving within a group dynamic.
Setting the stage for becoming literate students
Favorite pieces of children’s literature, new and old, often lead curriculum and projects. Children get to know a story so well by not only looking at the book, but re-telling, play-acting, extending and creating their own renditions of them on paper. Literacy begins with story, discussion, inquiry and exploration. Children are encouraged to use their verbal language in a variety of ways, enhancing their abilities for successful communication in the long term.
Individual needs
The classroom setting itself caters to the many ways that young children need to learn and develop. A diversity of substantial materials and activities that include sensory development, fine and large motor, as well as cognitive challenges through explorations of beginning letter and number usage are a part of the daily routine. Through rich and connected activities, a cozy and stimulating environment and intentional facilitation of the individual child, we set the stage for a love of learning and being at school.
Walking through the door of our early childhood classroom, it is evident that the many languages of children are honored at the outset. Whether it be a scribble representing a map to the zoo or a block building imitating a fantastic castle, the children’s creations are honorably displayed on the walls and tables. The mission of the school sits at its most basic in this classroom where the children are encouraged to express themselves and their personal knowledge through a variety of modes and methods.
Jill Carstens, ECE lead teacher
Thriving socially
Through a daily repertoire of activities, children work together, mingle and learn from one another. Projects are at the heart of their business, while learning how to interact, take direction and gain independence are the constant threads at hand. A sense of community and personal relationships are a priority as teachers model ways to interact positively. Preschoolers gain a solid base for thriving within a group dynamic.
Setting the stage for becoming literate students
Favorite pieces of children’s literature, new and old, often lead curriculum and projects. Children get to know a story so well by not only looking at the book, but re-telling, play-acting, extending and creating their own renditions of them on paper. Literacy begins with story, discussion, inquiry and exploration. Children are encouraged to use their verbal language in a variety of ways, enhancing their abilities for successful communication in the long term.
Individual needs
The classroom setting itself caters to the many ways that young children need to learn and develop. A diversity of substantial materials and activities that include sensory development, fine and large motor, as well as cognitive challenges through explorations of beginning letter and number usage are a part of the daily routine. Through rich and connected activities, a cozy and stimulating environment and intentional facilitation of the individual child, we set the stage for a love of learning and being at school.
