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EARLY CHILDHOODThe academic curriculum in Early Childhood begins with each child's unique development and builds foundational skills in communication, independence, logic, inquiry, socialization, and critical and creative thinking—all in a nurturing and joyful environment. In a world as rapidly changing as ours recognizing and responding to patterns is also an essential skill. Pattern identification is the name of the game across the curriculum in the Early Childhood Division! Finding and using patterns permeates the Early Childhood curriculum in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten. Children learn the various patterns inherent in the code of language guided by experienced teachers—from basic letter recognition and awareness of text in the world around them to decoding independently. The Language Arts program focuses on communication: spoken, written, and sometimes even signed. The world of Mathematics for the very young child is necessarily hands-on and concrete, and children develop strong math skills using manipulatives and authentic experiences to build an understanding of mathematical patterns and constructs in their everyday lives. Science explorations abound, often springing from student interests, and children begin to focus their curiosity on organized inquiry and using the scientific method to evaluate the patterns they observe and form new questions. Learning about themselves, their families and communities provides a springboard for interest in a wide variety of world cultures in the Early Childhood Social Studies curriculum. Students discover what is unique to being human and what richness diverse cultures can impart. Imbedded throughout the Early Childhood curriculum is the use of practical technology. Young children learn to access information and practice skills using a variety of applications. Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the Early Childhood program is the foundation of the school-wide Social Moral Curriculum. From the outset, young children learn to collaborate effectively, to be empathetic and positive. The core values of courage, respect, honor, and kindness create a safe and joyful environment in which to learn and grow. The Early Childhood experience is enriched weekly with the integration of Spanish instruction, Library, Art, Music, Physical Education and a variety of cross-curricular experiences with Chesapeake Academy's Lower and Middle School students. Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
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