Programs > Preschool > 4 year olds
Our approach to teaching is designed to make learning memorable, fun and inspiring. In the
4 year old program we strive to maximize your child's enthusiasm and their thirst for knowledge to develop individuality, with each child encouraged to reach his or her own potential. We do this primarily through project work.
In project work in the 4's classroom, children investigate the topic through observation, experimentation, and by using books and technology. They "represent" the topic through music, dance, drama, story, construction, sculpture, paint and drawing. The teacher's written observations of the children's questions and conversations serve to guide the project. Collaboration is key, children are encouraged to communicate, critique, negotiate, hypothesize and problem solve as they work in small groups. Teachers are researchers with the children as they guide and document the children's work.
When the classroom is not buzzing with project work the children are learning uppercase and lowercase letters, phonics are introduced, numbers reaffirmed, basic math skills explored and science investigations carried out. During the course of the year our teachers collect documentation that includes the benchmarks from the State of Illinois Learning Standards so you can see your child's progress. This documentation is put together into a portfolio for each child.
This little boy is about to vote on a project topic.
What will it be? Under the sea, cougars, stars or trains?
The schedule provides a structure that helps the child feel secure and competent.
