Early Childhood Curriculum

The McClelland School promotes the highest standards of academic achievement while considering the needs and gifts of each child. We educate the whole child in a safe physical and social environment through a program that promotes intellectual and physical development and service to others in the context of real life experiences. McClelland strives to prepare each child to be an enthusiastic life-long learner, prepared to face life’s challenges and choices.

Language Arts
The Language Arts program explores many reading and writing components and activities.

· Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
· Develop reading readiness skills
· Develop decoding strategies, including phonics, context and picture clues
· Develop vocabulary through integrated units of study
· Develop comprehension skills
· Enjoy listening to different types of literature

Math
Students are exposed to a variety of concepts and applications. Students use manipulatives, worksheets, and traditional activities, and real context applications in order to develop their math reasoning skills, logic, and core knowledge.

· Introduction to patterns and relationships
· Introduction to measurement
· Counting by 1’s
· Recognition
· Time–day, week, month on calendar
· Introduction to geometry and spatial visualization-puzzles
· Number sense
· Logical Reasoning-sorting and classifying

Themes of Study
Science and Social Studies are an essential part of the Preschool curriculum. Each theme is actively explored through hands-on projects, books, videos, field trips, and guest speakers. Social studies topics include self in family and community, family traditions, and occupations. Science topics include animals, dinosaurs, seasons and weather, environmental awareness, and plants and seeds.

Enrichment Classes
Students regularly attend classes taught by specialists. Music, Art, Spanish, and Physical Education are an integral part of the McClelland experience.

Music
Singing, listening to and describing music, relating music to various historical and cultural traditions

Art
Introduction to elements, techniques, and processes of art, principles of design and sensory and expressive features of visual arts; relate the visual arts to various historical and cultural traditions

Spanish
Introduction to listening and speaking; exposure to another culture

PE
Learn and develop fundamental movement skills through developmentally appropriate activities; learn to appreciate the value of physical activity and its contribution to a healthy lifestyle