Written by Veronica Martin (ECE Coordinator)
As you already know, YCIS believes that learning through play is the most meaningful and effective way for young children to learn and explore the world. While playing and having fun exploring, children are making meaning from their own world.
From April 24-28, the annual ‘Week of the Young Child’ will be celebrated worldwide. It is an initiative of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) whose aim is to celebrate early learning, young children, their teachers and families. Our school will take part in this event as it is an opportunity to further explore the ECE learning environment. As such, the class teachers will focus upon a different experience each day for the ECE children.
Music Monday – Music is important as it adds another level to the learning. Children enjoy listening to the rhythm and beats of different songs. Music is a great way to have children learn about language; it is often the first area where children begin saying new words.
Nutrition Tuesday – The youngest learners will be served up fun as they mix, mash and measure their way through the day. Food theme activities support the understanding of health, fitness and good eating habits.
Work Together Wednesday – A focus upon working together exploring engineering skills by using blocks, and cooperating with each other.
Artistic Thursday – The children will focus upon their inner artist by exploring different methods of art: Pasting, painting, sequences, glitter and other mediums will be used and explored.
Friday Family Fun Day – Families will be invited to the school for outdoors activities in which children and parents can play together. We will also enjoy a morning tea and celebrate our learning.
When children engage in purposeful play, they learn to think and are given every opportunity to explore the world. As such, they begin to lay down strong foundations in academic and social skills, that will last a lifetime. For more information, keep updated on the ECE Class Blogs!