what we teach kids

 What to Teach Children: Grace & Courtesy with Academic Skills

• Handling Classroom Materials:
  • Push in chairs after getting up.
  • Place items gently in their proper place (cubby, basket, box, or on the floor without noise).
  • Organize personal items like:
    • Water bottle
    • Lunch pail
    • Backpack
  • Handle toys carefully (e.g., avoid stepping on them).
  • Pick up items found on the floor and return them to their proper location.
• Classroom Etiquette:
  • Take only one worksheet or coloring page from the tray.
  • Use one pencil or color at a time for tasks.
  • Walk in the classroom with hands behind the back.
  • Speak using an inside voice.
  • Keep hands and feet to themselves.
• Returning Materials:
  • Place materials back on the shelf, holding them securely in the middle.
  • For Montessori jobs:
    • Carry rugs or trays with two hands.
    • Unroll rugs neatly in a row facing the Circle Time center.
    • Place materials on the left side of the rug (no sitting or walking on rugs).
    • Open lids carefully and place them under the box.
    • Always start with the largest material when setting up or cleaning up.
    • Return jobs to their proper location with care.
• Classroom Movement:
  • Walk, do not crawl, around rugs and peers.
  • Walk behind people instead of in front of them.
  • Sit or stand on the carpet edge (blue line) during activities.
  • Sit criss-cross applesauce with hands in the lap.
• Mealtime Manners:
  • Place food and drinks on a placemat.
  • Listen and respond the first time their name is called.

• Foundational Concepts:
  • Colors: Teach recognition with the "Rainbow Song."
  • Shapes: Learn using a fun "Shapes Song."
  • Emotions: Understand and express feelings with "If You’re Happy" song.
  • Body Parts: Learn through "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes."
• Manners:
  • Teach polite words like "Please" and "Thank You" with a song.
• Animals & Science:
  • Recognize animals and their sounds.
  • Teach continents using a song and map activities.
  • Teach planets with "Earth Goes Around the Sun" song.
  • Introduce seasons and the months of the year.
• Time Awareness:
  • Days of the week: Learn "Today, Yesterday, Tomorrow" with a 7-day Week Song.
• Phonics & Language:
  • Learn ABC sounds and phonics.
  • Recognize and spell their own name.
  • Practice reading and writing three-letter words.
• Math:
  • Counting: 1–10 and beyond (1–100).
  • Recognizing numbers and learning to write them (1–10).
  • Hold a pencil properly and practice tracing.
• Early Writing Skills:
  • Write their name.
  • Practice tracing and transitioning to independent writing.

By instilling these grace, courtesy, and academic skills, children develop both a strong foundation in learning and important life skills!