Curricular Practices
The balanced approach of the Kindergarten curriculum is reflected in the rhythm set by the daily activities built around the following practices, which set a framework for the overall development needs of this age group. Teachers are also observers, as they document the students’ progress at work and play.
Learning Centres
Many developmental and foundational skills are acquired here through observations in nature, construction (building blocks, clay), pretend play, reading and reuse-and-recycle centers. Children can learn and explore at their own pace.
Teacher-Led instruction
While the class is at work in the learning centers, one of the two teachers in the class works in rotation with a small group of students on different skill areas.
Circle Time or Carpet Time
Skills of social interaction, listening, conversing, feeling, thinking, empathy and patience are learnt by sharing ideas and experiences with each other during Circle Time which is a thought provoking period of reflection and learning.
Reading
Bumble Bee (LKG) Read-aloud classes and well-stocked class libraries introduce children to reading from the first day of school. Students learn how to handle books, look at illustrations, create their own stories, and begin the process of reading.
Honey Bee (UKG) more focus on the children’s natural curiosity towards books and illustrations. They begin to exhibit reading-like behavior as they reconstruct familiar stories. Towards the end of the school year, children are able to read familiar text, labels, captions etc.
By age 4, our kindergarteners start reading and by the end of age 5 they are able to read three to four letter words and sentences.
Language
The language programme at Reqelford Kindergarten is an exciting blend of phonics and the entire language approach. Jolly Phonic way is what we pursue. Children work and play with words and objects to develop and improve speaking and language skills. The success of this unique programme reflects in the Kindergarteners’ confident communication skills and their ability to read fluently and write with confidence.
Math
Children explore numbers through concrete hands-on activities, which enable them to understand quantities and operations. Through counting games, number rhymes, puzzles, challenges, and other interesting activities, children acquire a firm understanding and a love for math.
Science, Discovery and Explorations
Children at this age demonstrate a keen interest in exploring and discovering the world around them. The curriculum provides loaded stimuli from the immediate environment to allow observation, investigation, exploration, questioning and documentation of the children’s unique discoveries in many ways.
Fireless Cooking
These and other work skills help children experience the satisfaction of everyday life tasks, and also absorb a multitude of math, science and language skills.
Gardening and Working with Nature
To develop sensitivity to the environment, observational skills and taking up responsibility through acts of caring and nurturing. They are thought to put their tiny busy hands to work by teaching them basic gardening wherein they are taught to care for their surroundings as it helps them a long way in life.
Clay Work and Pottery
To develop fine motor skills and creative expression.
Block Play
To nurture creative thinking and enable articulation of ideas.
Dramatic / Symbolic Play
Giving the child a chance to enter a world of fantasy, as well as express a view of the world as he/she sees it.
Art and Craft
Integral to the way children learn, and how they document their inner worlds and outer experiences, and a great way to connect to the child.
Music and Movement
Children engage in creative dance movements, learn to play simple musical instruments and to sing.
Physical Education
Students are taken out to explore and develop their gross motor skills. We strongly believe that if children are enjoying themselves they will learn more and be inspired to become involved active learners.
Theatre, Storytelling and Puppetry
Used to develop the child’s social, emotional and communication skills. A useful tool during thematic teaching.
Community Connections
The curriculum facilitates regular interactions with the community. Parent and grandparent volunteers accompany children on field trips and help many a theme or project come alive with their visits, inputs and experiences.
Excursions and Field Trips
Children visit surrounding farms, interact with local communities and glimpse their culture and lifestyles via curriculum themes. These excursions also help widen knowledge of the environment, besides expanding observational skills.