Student/Teacher Ratio In order to create the best possible environment for learning, our ratios are kept to a minimum. Additionally, each class will have an age range of no more than 12 months from the youngest to the oldest child.
*Teacher assistants will be hired when enrollment numbers exceed the above mentioned ratios. Our Program The primary goal of PLC is to help children understand God created the world and each of us with unique talents, gifts and abilities. Out of this flows a positive attitude toward life and learning. We want children to experience success, to practice making their own decisions, and to be independent. They are encouraged to be curious and involved, and to express their ideas and feelings in constructive ways. We also recognize and encourage their need to learn self-discipline as a part of God's plan. Children will be encouraged to recognize God at work in the world around them and to recognize and respect others as a part of His creation. The secondary goal is to provide an environment that promotes social development. Throughout the school day, teachers help children cooperate and show respect for others. Emphasis is placed on communicating needs and desires in an acceptable fashion. Conflicts between children are seen as learning experiences. Teachers deal with conflicts by helping children to accept and express feelings and seek ways to handle them. PLC stresses self-choice activities and learning through play. Teachers guide children by providing an abundance of materials and activities to create a warm and accepting environment. They respond to children in a positive, Christ-like manner, and always encourage them to find solutions to problems. The atmosphere of the classroom is informal and child-centered, with an emphasis on giving the child responsibility for learning. While we give the children as much freedom as possible, the classroom is not permissive where children are allowed to wander aimlessly. They are always encouraged to be involved in something and to talk about their experiences and choices. With respect to intellectual growth, we encourage a child's problem-solving ability. The emphasis is on exploring, experimenting, discovering, and seeking to understand. The learning of concepts, colors, numbers, letters, and other skills is part of our program and is taught through curriculum based on the goal of Kindergarten readiness. Learning resources for reading readiness, math, visual discrimination, and concept development are offered to children each day. Children are encouraged to be involved with these materials at their own pace. We recognize that requiring children to perform a task before they are ready can lead to discouragement. Math skills are integrated into everyday situations throughout the curriculum. For example, block play can be used to talk about concepts and comparisons, ordering sets, geometry, classifying, and counting. As math materials are offered, children choose blocks, pegs, and odds and ends to sort, categorize, match, compare, and count. Sand and water play offer opportunities to learn about measuring quantities. Nooks and crannies, boxes and tubs help the children explore space. Other materials are also used to teach the math symbols. Music is coordinated through our regular chapel services including a variety of Bible songs as well as fun songs to broaden the children's talents. Science and social studies are an important part of the program and help children learn about God's world. Topical studies include community helpers, Native Americans, plants, and weather. They also provide opportunities to integrate other learning areas such as language, math, and art. Each classroom is equipped with learning centers. The materials available in each center are changed frequently to keep the children's interest. The learning centers are as follows:
Daily Classroom Schedules While schedules in each class differ and are flexible, a typical day includes the following: Free Choice: Children are free to choose learning centers or specific activities placed on tables. The teacher works with children individually or in small groups. Pledges: We have a daily pledge to the American and Texas flag, a Bible story, and music. Playground: Children enjoy our three beautiful playgrounds daily (as weather permits). Rainy/hot day activities are also offered which promote physical education and focus on large motor skill development. Snack: The entire class shares a nutritious snack provided by the center. This time is used for socialization and discussion. Large Group: This whole-group time may be used for stories, sharing experiences, show and tell, discussion of the unit topic, finger play, songs, movement, drama, games, etc. Not all children are interested in sitting with the group on a given day. If a particular child does not wish to join the group, it is not required as long as the child is involved in another activity and it does not disturb the class. Our teachers are flexible; if a majority of the children lose interest in the activity, they will try something else. Art: Art materials and easels encourage painting, which relate to the unit topic. Emphasis is placed on the creative process rather than the appearance of the finished product. Clean Up Times: Children are always encouraged to help clean up after activities. Rest Time: The Texas state minimum standards require that each child rest at least one hour a day. Children may bring a blanket or stuffed toy to make them feel more comfortable. |
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| Richardson Church of the Nazarene | 2101 E. Renner Rd., Richardson, TX 75082 | 214-570-5608 |
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