Literacy-Based Curriculum
Royal Learners goes one step further than introducing a philosophy of education to its teachers and children, we also supply them with an age appropriate curriculum based on these philosophies. Children can excel at every level with this curriculum and enjoy achieving these goals. We understand and value the importance of reading to children at an early and the value of good quality books.
The daily activities are based a new storybook each week thus making our curriculum literacy focused. We try to choose a Newberry or Caldecott award-winning book when possible. The children are also introduced to a new letter each week, giving the children a primary focus for each week of the year. Each teacher is given a detailed lesson plan that incorporates art, math, language, fine motor, science, discovery, sensory, dramatic play, blocks, music and movement, and large group activities based on a specific age/developmental level.
Our weekly letter is based on the phonetic alphabet. The phonetic letters are taught first through exposure to the actual written letter, sounds activities, and vocabulary-building activities. Many non-traditional alphabet activities are incorporated into the weekly lesson plans. For instance, if the letter of the week is “h,” the children may paint with “h”ay, count and sort paper “h”earts, try on different “h”ats, and/or practice “h”ugging their friends. The lesson plans are developed in coordination with the teachers in order to determine the best approach in each individual classroom. Each teacher is encouraged to add her own challenging series of activities that successfully balance creativity and academics, while still allowing a child to be a child!
The majority of the classrooms operate on a “center system,” meaning the class is split into small centers where individual attention can be given to each child. Four children may be participating in a math activity with one teacher, four children may be participating in a language/writing center with another teacher, four children may be participating in water play in the discovery center, while another group of four children may be learning cause and effect in the block center. Young children tend to learn best in small groups where the teachers can gauge where each child is developmentally in order to tailor that child’s learning plan to meet his/her needs. Repetition, routine, and learning new things are important, so we strive to individualize each lesson for the children in each class, keeping in mind that each child is unique and learns at his or her own pace.
Because teachers are extremely important in the development of each child, all of our teachers have been carefully screened and selected. Our early childhood specialists provide ongoing training and work in the classrooms with each teacher to guide them in implementing the most optimal learning environment and conditions