Overview

In the Preschool Academy Program we focus on academics, creativity, imagination, movement, communication and healthy eating. We encourage our preschoolers to be independent, respectful and responsible in their day to day lives. Our aim is for the children to start their schooling years with confidence, with a high self-esteem and with good social habits!

Goals

• Develop healthy bodies and minds
• Develop independence while caring for self and the environment
• Establish good social habits
• Improve gross and fine motor movements
• Enhance communication skills and clarity of speech
• Develop healthy eating habits
• Stimulate the mind based on Montessori and Reggio philosophies
• Enhance creativity and imagination
• Increase knowledge of the world, cultures and diversity
• Strengthen observation, critical thinking and problem solving skills

Key components

• Mathematics – Children will cultivate a mathematical mind while working with quantities, numerical symbols, one-to-one correspondence, operations and the base ten system.
• Language – Children will expand their receptive and expressive language skills, phonological awareness skills, letter and sound correspondence and reading abilities.
• Science- Children will strengthen their observation, experimentation, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Practical Life- Children will develop independence, body control, coordination of movement, concentration and sense of order.
• Sensory development – Children will refine and expand the senses while learning about the world.
• Articulation – Children will advance their articulation skills in order to enhance clarity of speech.

Additional Options

Introduction to Music:

Our music program is developed and conducted by Music Together, an international early childhood music and movement program. This research based, developmentally appropriate music curriculum will bring out your child’s creative and artistic side. Our program consists of singing, dancing and making music. Children are intrinsically drawn to music and we believe it is important to explore their musical abilities. Children will learn to move their body to music by clapping, stomping, rocking and dancing to the rhythm while enjoying simple instruments such as tambourines, bells and rattles.

Introduction to Yoga:

The benefits of Yoga for young children is immeasurable! Yoga will instill

• a positive attitude
• an ability to self-calm
• a sense of mind and body coordination
• a sense of peace
• a sense of self confidence

Yoga is part of our daily routine at Options Academy!

Introduction to Sports:

In addition to our regular gym activities, Sportball instructors will also visit our early education site at various times throughout the year to work with the children on:

• developing baseline skills for a variety of different sports
• developing proper form
• following simple instructions

Options academy and Sportball agree on the philosophy that we need to follow the child’s lead, use equipment that is child-sized and that having fun is key for keeping kids in the game!

Gym:

Our physical education program focuses on improving motor movements, balance and coordination. We aim to develop the children’s motor skills and abilities while having fun and staying active!

Home Economics:

In our home economics program, children will participate in preparing simple snacks such as fruits, vegetables and various whole grain foods. They will learn about the 5 food groups and about healthy eating. This Option is designed to expose children to nutritious food options, to heighten their senses and to increase independence and confidence!

Arts and Crafts:

Our art program focuses on building our students creativity and confidence. Children are encouraged to explore, use their senses and share and reflect on their creations. We integrate our art work with the other subjects in our curriculum so that the children get the most out of their learning experience. Art time is a great opportunity for children to develop their motor skills and their hand eye coordination.

Introduction to French:

Children are much more successful at learning a second language when they begin at a young age. Learning a second language is wonderful for brain growth and development therefore we offer French as part of our curriculum. The children are introduced to basic French vocabulary, greetings and songs.

Swimming:

Parents will have the option to enrol children in the True Blue Swim School program (registration fee to be paid directly to True Blue Swim School).  Options Academy staff will take children down to the swim program one day a week.

True Blue Swim School provides children with excellent opportunities to develop life-saving water safety and survival skills.  The program also facilitates children to become competent swimmers in a tension free, fun and exciting environment.  All swimmers receive incentives throughout their aquatic education that celebrate their small successes throughout their Swim School Journey, such as t-shirts, tattoos, certificates, medals and trophies.