St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School’s Early Childhood program is based on the Creative Curriculum model. The Creative Curriculum philosophy advocates hands-on approach to education which ignites discovery through listening, thinking and experimenting. Most importantly, we believe enthusiastic/inquisitive learners flourish in a setting that promotes creativity, independence, and self-confidence.
In order to enhance Early Childhood development, our curriculum focuses on physical, social-emotional, cognitive, language and creative skills. In addition, each classroom is designed with interest centers such as building blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, art, library, and musical instruments, etc. Each program includes a mélange of activities designed to engage children in learning throughout the day, promoting their creative expression.
As assessment is an important part of curriculum planning, we consistently monitor and document each child’s progress within the learning environment.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule is posted on the bulletin board outside each classroom. Each child partakes in the following activities:
| Activity | Teacher Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Arrival: Children wash hands. | Teachers supervise bathrooms. |
| Free Play & Classroom Exploration: Children select from a variety of engaging centers. | Teachers supervise and assist children with the following choices: cooperation, creativity and peer interaction. |
| Welcome & Group Time: Children participate in prayer, pledge, songs, and idea-sharing. | Teachers encourage participation in prayers, pledges, songs, and sharing of ideas. |
| Morning Snack: Children enjoy nutritious snacks, milk and water. | Teachers supervise hand-washing, snack clean -up in order to develop self-reliance. All teachers sit with children at table. |
| Outdoor Play: Children play outdoors with a variety of age appropriate equipments. | Teachers ensure that all children are dressed properly prior to playing outside. Teachers also supervise playground areas. |
| Storytelling: Children listen to and participate in storytelling activities. | Teachers encourage children to focus on stories and ask questions. |
| Language, Phonics, Math, & Crafts: Children participate in age-appropriate language programs, number recognition, arts and crafts. | Teachers encourage children to participate in Armenian & English letters of the week, number recognition, crafts and songs. |
| Music & Movement: Children enjoy music via physical movements. | Teachers lead singing and physical activities. Teachers encourage children to participate. |
| Religion: Children partake in Bible-based activities. | Teachers introduce students to religious truths from the Bible. |
| Free Play & Classroom Exploration: Children select from a variety of centers in the classroom. | Teachers supervise and assist children with choices, motivate cooperation, creativity and peer interaction. |
| Clean-up & Bathroom Breaks | Teachers supervise hand-washing and assist as needed. |
| Lunch: Children enjoy family-style lunch served with milk and water. | Teachers sit with children and engage them in conversation. Teachers supervise and assist with lunch and clean up. |
| Rest & Naptime: Children rest quietly on their cots. | Teachers distribute cots and settle children. Teachers offer quiet activities for children after they have rested. |
| Afternoon Snack: Children enjoy nutritious snacks, milk and water. | Teachers supervise hand-washing, snack clean -up in order to develop self-reliance. All teachers sit with children at table. |
| Sharing & Indoor Activities: Students learn the joys of sharing through various activities. | Teachers encourage children to participate in sharing of ideas, singing, and storytelling. |
| Outdoor Play: Children play outdoors with a variety of age appropriate equipment. | Teachers ensure that all children are dressed properly prior to playing outside. Teachers also supervise playground areas. |