Burke Preschool
Philosophy
At
the Burke Preschool we believe that nothing is more important than the child.
We look at each child as a “whole child.” Each child has emotional, social,
physical and intellectual needs. Our goal is to meet every child’s unique
needs.
Parent Involvement
As
parents and caregivers you have a unique and long-term interest in the growth
and happiness of your child. We will work closely with you throughout the year
to help your child grow and learn in the happiest way possible. We know that
when your child enters school for the first time it can be both scary and
exciting. We want to hear how the school experience is working for your child
and family. We need your voice to make our program strong.
We
invite you to visit the classroom, read a book, help with a special project,
cook, sing a song, or just share a happy time with your child. We love seeing
parents and grandparents in the classroom and your child will be pleased to
have you there.
Please
schedule classroom visits with your child’s teacher.
Curriculum
Everything
that occurs in the program for children is curriculum. This includes: hand
washing, dramatic play, snack time, sensory exploration, choice time, circle
time and outside playtime. The Burke Preschool has a basic set of assumptions
at the core of all curricular decisions.
1. Children learn by doing
and through active exploration:
Active exploration of a carefully planned
environment is the primary method of learning. Children are encouraged to learn
self-control and express their wants and needs. Teachers are present to guide,
model, and support children with their learning and interactions with others.
2. Children learn best in
groups that stay intact over time:
During the course of the year each preschool
class stays the same. Children have the opportunity to learn in a group of
their peers that is consistent over time. The class begins each day with a
whole class morning meeting. We work on large and small group projects
throughout the year.
3. Children are able to
plan, do, and review:
Children are active in planning, doing and
reviewing their own activities. Children learn best when they are allowed to
make choices and act upon their choices. These can be individual choices as
well as group choices.
4. Literacy, Math Art,
Science and Social experiences:
Learning letters, how to count, and learning
about the world around us is best accomplished in an active, rich environment.
Children will experience: reading books, making books, creating charts &
graphs, journal writing, playing with blocks, counting, sorting, puzzles,
letter and math games, science exploration and sensory opportunities
