Our School
Creative Play Stations
The Vancouver Island Preschool Association offers this insight into how a play-based curriculum will benefit your child through the many play stations throughout the school:The Learning Through Play philosophy sets the stage for the structure of the program. Each portion of the structure as well as each area of the classroom is set up with specific goals for children to be achieving while participating. A large portion of the program is dedicated to allowing children to make choices to develop interests while promoting and exposing new activities to them.
Development of the Whole Child through Play Stations:
Outdoor Play and the Muscle Room
Children need fresh air and exercise; it helps to develop strong muscles and healthy bodies. Physical play helps to develop an awareness of their bodies (balance, strength, coordination) and builds confidence. Physical development is fostered primarily through the outdoor playground and indoor muscle room. There is a focus on movement, coordination and spatial awareness. Children challenge their risk-taking skills by traveling around, over, under and through balancing and climbing equipment with control in large and small-scale movements.
Library Station and Circle Time
Communication, language and literacy development is fostered through the Library Station and at Circle Time. There is a focus on language for communication and thinking, pre-reading and writing skills. The library develops an interest in books relating to topics being discussed in class. Circle time develops the enjoyment of listening to stories, songs, rhymes and poems - encouraging children's responses with relevant comments, questions or actions. Children also have an opportunity to focus on calculating and using numbers as labels for counting. Children participate in Show and Tell during circle time (on their parent’s sharing day), which helps them develop speaking skills, communicating ideas and listening with control.
Block Building
Building is a bridge between the world of pretend and reality. It provides experience in spatial relationships, opportunities for sharing, and develops large and small muscle control. Blocks also provide a pre-math experience (size and shape sorting, balance). Mathematical development is fostered here with a focus on shape, space, measurement and calculating. Children experiment with a range of objects and materials with an awareness of sorting, matching, patterns, models, descriptive concepts for size, shape, solids, 2D and 3D objects.
Painting and Planned Projects
Painting provides an opportunity for self-expression and enjoyment. The fun of creating is more important than the end product. Activities such as planned art and baking boost creative development of the child, allowing the freedom of expression and communication of ideas, thoughts and feelings with a focus on exploration of colour, design, shape and taste.
Water Play and Sandbox
Play in these areas encourages experimentation in texture and measurement in a fun way. It also presents early scientific and math concepts.
Play Dough and Clay
Modelling provides a release for aggressive feelings and offers general enjoyment.
Music and Rhythm
These provide a means of self-expression through experimentation with songs, instruments, finger plays, games, and dancing. Music focuses on sound, volume and matching movements to music.
Dramatic Play
This type of play is used to re-enact experiences and stories, fears and feelings. It allows children to try out different roles and promotes cooperation. Our two-storey playhouse helps to develop personal, social and emotional skills. There is a focus on disposition and attitudes for cultures and relationships. Children need a strong and positive self-identity to express emotions in a positive manner. They need to be confident in their roles while building good relationships with their peers and adults, while also learning to consider others' ideas and to take turns and share in a group setting.
Language Communication
Communication and speech improve enormously at preschool. They are developed through all forms of play.
Table Toys
Puzzles, beads, games, etc. These help a child to develop his hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, ability to follow direction, and concentration.
Cutting & Pasting and Open Art Centre
These provide an experience in hand and finger manipulation as well as self-expression. When presented with a variety of materials, shapes, textures, and objects to glue, children find an enormous amount of enjoyment in their creations.