Approach to Learning By responding to the children's needs, interests and level of skills, preschool teachers are opening the doors to learning for their students. Through purposeful planning in each domain of development and through a balance of teacher initiated and child initiated activities, St. Mary's preschoolers learn, practice and master essential skills that form the foundations of their lifelong academic journey's.
Children Learn Through Play At St. Mary's Preschool we believe that play is a child's work. The value of child directed play, indoors and out, cannot be overstated. Through positive play experiences with others, children strengthen self esteem and confidence. Play experiences that are concrete, hands-on and relevant to the preschoolers lives are provided through the day at St. Mary's Preschool. These play opportunities may be child created and directed, teacher facilitated and/or teacher created, based on children's interests and skills.
Practicing Traditional Catholic Values It is the purpose of St. Mary's Preschool to provide a warm, caring environment in which students feel free to be themselves. Through modeling, practicing and reading and discussing stories from the bible, children develop catholic beliefs, values and attitudes. The children are encouraged to view themselves as children of God, members of loving families, and to respect and care for others as they begin to live out our school motto "Integrity for Life."
Assessment of Development Twice each school year, in the fall and in the spring, students development is noted using a Developmental Checklist of Skills. These checklists, derived from the Vermont Early Learning Standards, are used to inform families of their child's development and achievements and to inform teacher instruction and curriculum planning. The following eight areas are addressed through the use of these documents:
1. Approaches to Learning 2. Social and Emotional Development 3. Language, Literacy and Communication 4. Mathematics 5. Science 6. Social Studies 7. Creative Expression 8. Physical Health and Development