Perspective
Embrace and Express
Social interaction sets the stage for children to experience the
different opinions expressed by their peers. In addition, celebrating
the cultural differences that exist in our society exposes children to the
varying ways in which people live their lives. Through social
interaction, circle time discussions, exploration of diverse cultures, and
the incorporation of sign and foreign language instruction into our
daily curriculum, we develop in children a firm foundation of
understanding and acceptance of the cultural differences that exist in
our society We strongly believe that prejudice is learned and that
children's natural inclination is towards "racial blindness".
Teacher modeling is also important in the development of a child's
social personality and social acceptances. Respect for others grows
from a positive teacher-child relationship where each child is shown
respect and expected to return respect. Little Leprechaun teachers
demonstrate respect for the individuality and humanity of all the
children in their care, respect for the unique developmental journey of
each child, and respect for the diverse family structures and cultural
backgrounds of the children.
Expression
As human beings we are endowed with the ability to experience a
variety of emotions, ranging from joy to sorrow, satisfaction to
frustration, and contentment to anger. We may not always welcome
some of the emotions that children express, but experiencing these
emotions is part of what it means to be fully human. The role of the
teacher is to help children accept and understand these emotions, and
to help them put words to their feelings so that they are able to talk
about them rather than acting them out through behaior.
"Representational competence" refers to a child's ability to represent
thoughts, ideas and feelings and communicate them to others.
Language is the prime representational ability that develops but it is
not the only form of symbolic system available to chilren. Art,
movement, song, and other forms of imagery are also ways in which
children can express their ideas and feelings. The "100 Languages of
Children" is a unique approach developed by Italy's Reggio Emilia
School. This concept encourages young children to express
themselves, their ideas, and their feelings through symbolic
"languages, or modes of expression, including words, movement,
drawing, painting, sculpture, shadow play, collage, music and others.
Enrich and Expand
Foreign Language Instruction
Research has demonstrated that learning a second language provides
children with increased self-esteem, a greater ability to master
English, and the ability to perform higher in math and logic skills.
Every Little Leprechaun student is introduced to French at the early
preschool age; instruction is continued throughout the preschool years.
Sign Language Instruction
Verbal communication skills are unavailable to an infant, but sign
language can be learned readily. Sign language gives the infant an
alternate way to express their wants and needs, whether she wants
"more milk" or is "all done". Sign Language instruction continues
throughout the preschool years.
Educational Field Trips
The most meaningful learning experience is a hands-on experience.
Field trips are commonly scheduled as an extension of in-class studies
and themes. Field trips include local museums (art, national history,
natural history), science centers, nature preserves, and community
services.
Technology
Students who are exposed to technology in the preschool setting will
start their educational career with a distinct advantage. Each
classroom contains computers and, at ages appropriate, each child is
given their very own Little Leprechaun email account with all of the
help and support they need to utilize the acount. Teachers
incorporate the use of computers whenever possible during daily
instruction time and free time.
Nature
Each class has their own aquarium and growing plants. Children share
the responsibility of feeding the fish and ensuring that the plants are
receiving sunlight, water and plenty of TLC.
Every spring our children place bird houses around the outdoor play
area and learn about the birds that take residence, build their nests,
and hatch their young. Our 4, 5 and school-age children get a
butterfly kit and a tadpole kit. Children watch as the caterpillar slowly
becomes a butterfly and the tadpoles become young frogs. We have a
releasing ceremony when it's time to set the butterflies and frogs free.
Evaluate and Evolve
Our educational curriculum emerges from the interests of the children.
Little Leprechaun teachers spend time observing and interacting with
children, making note of the interests that are being expressed in their
play and activities, and then planning the environment and activities
based on these interests.
Our teachers understand that the work doesn't end with the planning
and implementation of curricula activities. Observing and
documenting the children's activities helps us better understand the
interests, needs, and capabilities of each individual child, and helps
us better respond to those individual needs. Documenting children's
efforts and activities through anecdotal notes, running records, and
photographs are important ways of reflecting on the child's
development, celebrating their milestones, and communicating with
parents about the daily experiences of their children.