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At Tri-County Head Start children learn... |
- reading
and writing through a variety of meaningful experiences.
Instead of being drilled on mere memorization of letters and
numerals they learn to recognize and use written symbols on labels,
charts, graphs, personal books, their own pictures and signs.
They see their own words written down.
They’re encouraged to write for themselves even before they
know all the letters so they develop a positive attitude about
practicing writing.
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- to
use letters and numerals in
many forms including magnetic, felt, foam, and rubber stamps so they
can handle and create with them regularly.
They learn to enjoy books and often do art and drama activities
related to books.
They learn to recognize their name and many begin to write it
as well.
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- the
many concepts that are the foundation of mathematics.
They practice classifying, ordering, patterning and counting
with many different kinds of materials and in activities such as
games, cooking, making charts and graphs, songs and so on.
They go beyond “paper and pencil” tasks to learn how math
is used in the real world in many ways.
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be active problem solvers
as they use all kinds of materials to experiment and explore.
Science areas and activities offer opportunities to try out
ideas, make observations and try experiments.
Interesting projects from making mixtures to testing magnets
to growing plants and gardens engage children’s minds as well as
their hands.
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- to
use their natural creativity.
It is encouraged and supported through drama, art, music and
movement.
Each day they have an opportunity to use a wide variety of
materials to express their creative ideas and feelings.
Paints, markers, collage, music instruments and much much
more are used often.
Children’s individual creative ideas are valued over
copying of adult-made models.
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- the
basic fine motor skills
so important to future school work.
They do this through use of construction toys, scissors,
pegboards, play-dough, and art materials to name a few.
Children also learn to use their developing gross
motor skills.
They have many opportunities throughout the day (not just at
outdoor time), to use equipment and participate in activities
planned to challenge their coordination and strength in fun ways.
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- independence
by making choices and decisions when appropriate.
They learn self help skills as they are always encouraged to
do things for themselves.
Handwashing, toothbrushing, setting the table, serving
themselves at snack and lunch, dressing skills, cleaning up and so
on are practiced so often they become routine.
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- to
develop positive and
constructive relationships with other children and adults.
They learn to work together in both small group and large
group activities.
The skill of conversation is practiced throughout the day.
Daily routines are followed and children learn to take an
active part in routine tasks and complete special jobs.
Children learn about resolving conflicts in acceptable ways.
They’re helped to practice skills of negotiation and
expressing feelings in words.
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- there
are many differences and similarities among people the world over.
Other cultures and
traditions are regularly incorporated into the curriculum.
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- good
health and safety
are things they can do something about.
Children develop safety awareness about many topics including
fire, poisons and abuse prevention.
They learn about good nutrition through regular food
preparation activities and sometimes even growing their own healthy
foods. A special
“Earth Friends” curriculum presents many experiences for
personal health and the health of the environment.
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