Fives (5 - 6 years)

Getting ready for Grade One is exciting – and we want your child to stay excited about learning. So while we increase the focus on math, science, language and social studies, we make sure it’s presented with a big dose of fun. Our curriculum helps children develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they’ll need to succeed in school and life. Teachers plan lessons to deepen understanding of basic academic concepts through exploration, investigation and play. We provide a place where children can challenge themselves and enjoy the thrill of discovery as they look forward to school.

Areas of Development:

Language and Literacy: The five-year-old program contains activities that will promote early literacy skills, including alphabet letter recognition, phonics, and comprehension. Your child will be immersed in a print-rich environment, surrounded by award-winning children’s literature, which helps prepare him for kindergarten.

Gross/Fine Motor Skills: The curriculum addresses all gross motor skills, which strengthen the large muscle groups of the body, such as arms and legs. Gross motor skills include jumping, running, throwing and catching a ball, and climbing playground equipment. Children will be encouraged to dance and participate in noncompetitive races. Fine motor skills, which include finger and hand movements, are vital to your child’s future writing skills. Five-year-olds will strengthen fine motor skills by playing in a sand-filled discovery table, by stacking small blocks, and by writing their names with finger paint.

Cognitive Skills: Cognitive skills are the foundation of learning and knowledge. The five-year-old program contains many activities designed to prepare your child for primary school. Children will be encouraged to recite finger plays and nursery rhymes, retell stories in their own words, make comparisons, and explore and make discoveries.

Math and Science Skills Development: The five-year-old program focuses on math and science readiness. Your child will practice important math skills, such as classifying, identifying shapes and numbers, and counting. Teachers will provide many hands-on opportunities for the children to explore weather, plants, animals, sounds, textures, and other essential science topics.