EARLY EDUCATION
Philosophy
OUR EARLY EDUCATION program provides a balanced approach where children will LEARN, GROW, and THRIVE socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually.
Learning is a developmental process and every child will succeed by progressing at their own speed and reaching their potential. Each child will receive one-on-one instructional time and will be challenged academically in a nurturing and positive way. We believe children LEARN best in a structured yet fun environment that teaches to all learning styles.
The ABEKA Curriculum will be used in each classroom for teaching letters and phonics, numbers and math, and handwriting. A monthly unit approach is used which incorporates many thematic explorations including science, art, music, and imaginative play. We strive to make learning fun!
what will my child learn?
Our class time is a balance of teacher-led pencil/paper work and child-centered hands-on activities and play, as well as daily learning games, and crafts to reinforce what is being taught.
Young children learn through exposure, exploration, experimenting, and example. You can expect your child to learn a variety of skills and accomplish many academic goals.
At 8TH STREET ACADEMY we want children to love learning and build a solid academic foundation for years to come.
students will participate in many creative activities to teach:
Letter recognition
Phonetic sounds of consonants and short vowels
Recognition of first name
Counting 1-25
Number recognition 1-15
Recognition of colors and six basic shapes
Memorization of poems, songs, scripture, days of the week, and American Flag Salute
Introduction to Sign language
Science: colors, five senses, sink/float, magnets, mud, animals, worms
Unit Studies: Colors & Shapes, Five Senses, Community Friends, Pets, Under the Sea, Circus, On the Farm, Nursery Rhymes
and so much more!
PRESCHOOL
Pre-Kindergarten
Students will build on what was taught in preschool and continue their learning journey which includes:
Recognition of uppercase and lowercase letters
Phonetic sounds of consonants and short vowels
Completion of 12 Abeka K4 readers which introduce blends and one vowel words
Introduction to handwriting using an “upstairs, downstairs, basement” concept
Writing of first name in correct formation - an uppercase letter followed by lowercase letters
Counting by 1s and 10s to 100
Number recognition and writing 1-20
Concepts of money
Recognition of eight shapes
Sign language colors, numbers, and beginning vocabulary
Counting 1-10 in Spanish
Memorization of poems, songs, scripture, Days of the Week, and American Flag Salute
Science: animals, apples, weather, seasons, pumpkins, healthy bodies
Unit Studies: Vowels, Safety, Fairy Tales, Dinosaurs, When I Grow Up, Flowers, Camping, Bugs
and so much more!
kindergarten
Students will expand their knowledge base and graduate kindergarten ready for first grade and beyond. Some academic highlights include:
Recognition of name and phonetic sound of long and short vowels and consonants
Beginning phonics rules and twelve special sounds
Ten sight words
Completion of twelve Abeka K5 readers
Number recognition and writing of numbers 1-100
Number concepts 1-100
Using number words 1-10 and first-tenth
Value of coins
Telling time
Using the calendar: days of the week, months of the year
Addition facts through 10 and beginning subtraction
Counting and writing by 1s, 10s, 5s, and 2s to 100
Recognition of ten shapes
Memorization of poems, songs, scripture, and American/Christian Flag Salutes
Sign language colors, numbers, alphabet, songs, stories
Introduction to Spanish: numbers, colors, everyday vocabulary
Penmanship
Writing of first and last name
Social Studies: My Community, My Country, Nine Countries around the world
Introduction to American History
Science: Creation, weather/seasons, insects, birds, animals, lifecycles, seashore
Music: simple theory and instrumentation
Unit Studies: Nursery Rhymes, Creation, Space, Penguins, Friendship, Kindergarten Cafe, Birds, Bees, By the Sea
and so much more!
how will my child grow?
Students at 8TH STREET ACADEMY will GROW in a loving, well-planned environment that has been designed for them. With extra-large classrooms and an outdoor play space we know childhood is an important time of development. Every child will be given many positive opportunities to mature and grow in the following key areas.
PHYSICALLY
Using gross motor skills: jumping, hopping, balancing, galloping, skipping, movement, & PLAY
Using fine motor skills: coloring, writing, arts and crafts, scissor skills, puzzles, sensory and learning centers
Being in a safe, sanitized environment
SOCIALLY
Through cooperative play/playing well with others
Sharing and taking turns
Practicing conflict resolution strategies
Using good manners
Being respectful of other’s space and things
EMOTIONALLY
Building confidence and a high self-esteem
Feeling loved, cared for, and believed in
Becoming more independent
Using words to share feelings
Being responsible for papers, crafts, snack, table space, and cubby
Observing class rules
Trying new things
SPIRITUALLY
Hearing Bible stories and songs
Memorizing scripture
Starting each school day with prayer
By teachers that model a standard of Christian excellence
Classes being based on and rooted in Christian values and beliefs
Honoring God in every area of our teaching and learning
ACADEMICALLY
Following directions
Being attentive
Completing classwork and crafts
Trying to do our best
Participating in class activities
Progressing at own speed and reaching academic potential
Being given one-on-one instructional time
Being challenged academically (opportunity for advanced work)
Finishing homework and reading (Kindergarten)
