Welcome to the Triangles Page 1
WELCOME TO THE TRIANGLES
We are delighted that you are joining our class! We hope that not only you, but your whole family, enjoy the experience. The following information will help Triangles, and their families, become familiar with how our classroom functions.
The teachers assigned to the Triangles’ classroom are…
Teresa Quillen, Bjay Harkins, Shaquae Walker
Curriculum
Our curriculum provides activities and experiences that allow children to engineer, investigate, communicate, and discover. Our learning centers provide materials and interests that allow children to practice motor, language, social and cognitive skills. The goal is to challenge young minds in an environment where they feel safe, comfortable and secure. Friends Child Care Center is committed to multiculturalism. Being aware, understanding and appreciating differences is a quality that will last a lifetime.
Activity Definitions
Free Play– Child Initiated Activities: Children move freely throughout the room, exploring the various learning centers. Before moving on from one activity to another, children are required to clean up their current project.
Circle – Teacher Directed Activity: Triangles come together for songs, stories, games, and discussions. Circle time is often related to the current theme and is a way of introducing upcomingprojects and activities, and “Show & Tells.”
Choice Time – Teacher Directed Activity: Children are presented with several options, choose one, and are involved for a significant time. The amount of time expands as the year progresses. This exercise helps children increase their attention span. It’s also an interesting way for teachers to present a varied curriculum that includes music, dance, pre-reading, whole language activities, science experiments, cooking activities, math projects, dramatic play, and just plain “fun.”
Special Subjects – Teacher Directed Activity: Once weekly Music, Dance, Yoga, and Spanish classes.
Preschool Daily Schedule
7:30-9:30 – Arrival, Breakfast, Free Play
Blocks,
Science,
Art,
Dramatic Play,
Manipulatives,
Sensory
9:00-9:45 – Bathroom Time
9:45-10:00 – Clean-up
10:00-10:45 – Circle Time/Snack
10:45-12:00 – Structured Activities/Outside Time
Vertical Grouping – offers children five different activities that they rotate through
- Sensory
- Art
- Pre-Math
- Language Arts
- Sciences
- Fine and Gross Motor
- Pre-Reading
12:00-1:00 – Hand Washing/Lunch/Bathroom
1:00-3:00 – Nap Time (non-napping Triangles engage in quiet activities)
3:00-3:30 – Clean-up/Self-Help Skills (putting away nap items, bathroom)
3:30-4:00 – Conclude Morning Activities (letter and number concepts)
4:00-4:15 – PM Snack
4:15-6:00 – Free Play/Outdoor Play/Departures
Communication
Lesson Plans are posted on our Parent Information Board.On most days, parents will receive an email describing the Triangles’ day, and include reminders of future events and topics.
If any parent needs to speak with a teacher, you can call 215-241-7012 to arrange a time for a detailed telephone conversation or conference. Parents should always feel free to come to teachers with any questions or concerns.
Cubbies
Coat Cubby – Located to the left when you enter the B door. All Triangles share a cubby space with another child. The cubby is a place to keep nap bedding, seasonally appropriate extra clothes, and jackets.
Mail Slots – Triangles’ mail slots contain memos and information from teachers, the director, and Triangles. All finished artwork will be put in mail slots for parents to take home and enjoy.
What Triangles Need at School
Lunch,
For nap – crib size sheet, blanket, a special soft toy if necessary,
Clothes – at least two changes of clothes appropriate for weather. Please remember socks and underwear.
What Triangles Need to Leave at Home
Action/Superhero Figures,
Toys that have weapons attached to them,
Any toy that is a weapon
These toys often distract from class-centered activities. It is much easier for children and teachers if toys from home are limited to one soft toy for nap and books they can share with their Triangle friends. Thank you for understanding.
Friends Child Care Center is guided by Quaker philosophies which encourage anon-violent, peace-filled, warm, and welcoming environment.With those valuesin mind, we ask that all Triangles refrain from wearing any type of clothing or accessories (for example shoes,lunch boxes, toys)highlighting "superheroes" or any character (popular, cartoon or otherwise -- that does not support those Quaker principles.
Birthday Traditions
The Triangles have a tradition of “giving” on our birthdays. We would like teachers and children to give a book to the classroom on their birthday. It’s a nice way to expand our library. More importantly, it’s an excellent opportunity for children to appreciate books and give a special book.
Thank you, and we are all looking forward to a great year!