Each program's timetable is carefully planned so that there is a balance between teacher-led activities and student-led activities. Throughout the day children engage and in the following sessions: small group, outdoor play, and exploration time, in addition to, weekly sessions in science, library, swimming, active games and art.
Small group focuses on a specific area of learning each day, such as Math or Literacy. During small group, children are able to develop confidence through cooperating and negotiating with others to achieve accomplishments, as well as, begin to develop early skills in each of these areas. Teachers carefully plan hands on lessons that help build a strong foundation in these areas. They also work together to build on the children's discoveries and interests to plan relevant classroom lessons.
In outdoor play, children are exposed to a variety of activities such as water/sensory play, sandbox, construction, sand studio, role-play and outdoor reading and writing. They also have the opportunity to develop their gross motor skills by swinging, climbing, balancing, hopping, running and jumping. Children are encouraged to make their own choices and the teachers act as guides to extend their learning experiences.
Exploration time happens inside and the children explore the different learning centers that have been set up and planned for by the teachers. This time allows children to discover the environment and independently choose their own learning experiences. Children have the opportunity to visit the following learning centers: math, literacy, writing, construction, loose parts, cutting and sticking, science, role-play, play dough and sensory. Teachers are always observing and engaging children in their play to further build and develop their early academic skills.
Every week children have a lesson in each of the following areas: science, art, active games, library, eco park, and swimming.
In Science, children explore all different areas of the world such as living and non-living things, hot and cold, senses, floating and sinking, the human body and so much more.
During art lessons, teacher's plan lessons that encourage developing both creativity and skills through process art.
Active games is a time for children to further develop their physical and gross motor skills. Teacher's begin each lesson with a warm-up and proceed with a skill based game, finishing off with a cool down. Children will begin to learn basic skills of catching and throwing, kicking a ball, as well as, following instructions and cooperating with others.
At KCIP, we have an extensive library with a vast variety of titles. When children visit the library, they focus on acquiring basic library skills such as choosing a book, reading independently and being respectful towards literature and others.
Swimming focuses on developing water confidence through stimulating activities such as blowing bubbles, gently splashing and more. As children develop their water confidence, they will begin to learn the formation of basic strokes such as freestyle.
In Eco Park, children learn about how to take care of animals, plant and grow food, as well as, where food comes from.
Ultimately, the curriculum at KCIP encourages children to form deep and meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers and gain an appreciation for the diversity of individuals in the community. When children have built this strong social intelligence, they are then able to develop the academic skills needed for future success in school.