Curriculm
A THEMATIC APPROACH
Monthly themes give direction and cohesion to the daily teaching and learning. A structured yet flexible program allows the children to anticipate what is expected of them and gives them the security of knowing what they can expect of others. A variety of activities introduce preschool children to kindergarten-readiness skills, including knowledge of basic concepts such as numbers, letters, shapes, and colors.
Exposure to foreign language(s) and cultural events cultivate an appreciation of individual, cultural, and ethnic diversity. Children are exposed to music through song, dance, and musical instruments. Both free and structured play encourages creativity and self-expression. Whole-body activities, outdoor play, and sport improve physical coordination and enhance strength.
“I CAN DO IT”
The enthusiasm of the teaching staff is reflected in the excitement of the children. Teachers promote an “I CAN DO IT!” attitude throughout the day. Children learn and discover through a wide variety of hands-on activities that integrate multiple areas of the curriculum. A philosophy of “Learning is fun!” permeates all experiences. Success of the program is based on a collaborative model in which parents and teachers share their observations to continually reshape the program to meet the needs of the children.
SMARTBOARD
A SMARTBoard, is a large, touch-controlled screen that works to provide users with a larger version of their computer screen. The projector puts the computer’s desktop image onto the interactive whiteboard, which acts as both a monitor and an input device. Users can write on the interactive whiteboard in digital ink or use a finger to control computer applications by pointing, clicking and dragging, just as with a desktop mouse.
Our SMARTBoard allows up to 8 touches (4 kids) at any given moment which allows more than one student to interact with content. Buttons launch a popup keyboard and a right-mouse-click menu for more input options. SMARTboards can be used as an effective teaching tool at any grade level. Our preschool teachers use the SMART board to bring the internet, with its many learning resources, to the fingertips of our students.
WFCS uses the SMART board on a semi-daily basis for hands-on interactive learning games, to practice math and reading skills, and to enhance exposure to literature, music, and theme based content that may not be easily accessible in our rural Whitefish setting. Our SMART Board is never used to watch uneducational videos or play uneducational games, and the daily amount of screen time is very limited.
