We recognize that each child is a unique individual with his/her own way and needs. None is like the other yet they all enjoy discovering with each other and learning the same ways and means to help them get on together.

One of our focuses is to gently help each child become more comfortable with his/her new environment and new teachers through various means such as playing, music, crafts, discovery walks, theatre, stories and little lessons along the way.

Inside of a structured, yet flexible day, the children have the opportunity to explore their environment, learn ways to communicate with other children and adults and express themselves through various activities such as music, dance, theatre, observation, indoor and outdoor play, helping, baking and stories.

Each month there is a theme that guides the activities. Some of the themes include The Body, Cleanliness, Communicating, Balance, The Seasons, Bugs, Colour, and the Five Senses to name a few. Within the theme of the month, there are age-appropriate stories to nurture qualities such as curiosity, safety, questioning, care, discovery, value, kindness and respect.

 

There is a specific program layed out for each day; however, at the same time, each day, the teacher assesses how the children are individually and as a group. From there, the plan of the day is adjusted to best suit their needs.

In general, the flow of the day is as follows:

  • The children are warmly welcomed and may engage in an activity of their choosing which may be playing with trucks, dolls, house, dress -up, looking at books, drawing, etc.
  • When everyone is settled, the 5-minute lesson on the theme of the month takes place. This happens through a story and then is enlivened through art, music, theatre, story -telling, crafts, out-door exploration etc.
  • Play time
  • Snack
  • Work on getting dressed to go outside
  • Out-door play
  • Lunch
  • Story
  • Quiet rest time
  • Snack
  • Play time

For example, one day, a pineapple was the center of everyone’s attention. We touched the hard, prickly outside, then the soft, wet inside. We found that when you cut open a pineapple, the smell bursts out. The pineapple tasted so sweet and juicy and it did not crunch when we bit into it, but the rice cake did.

Some of the focuses in our daily activities include being more familiar with what is around us and its purpose as well as some useful tools to help us to get on well together.

 

The children also learn about their responsibilities – bringing their bowl to the counter when they are finished eating, sitting at the table for the duration of their meal, tidying up after play time, trying to put on their socks, shoes or pants.

It is incredible to see the joy and pride in their little faces when they have successfully fulfilled one of their responsibilities – they beam with the confirmation they receive.

The teachers and parents regularly discuss the progress, needs, and issues of the individual child.  This encourages a harmony at home and at school.

Parenting workshops are offered at The Acorn and The BEN School-House to share with parents, various tools, ideas and ways used at the Acorn.  This gives the parents the option to adopt some of these practices at home, thereby offering the child a more harmonious home/school experience.

Some of the Parenting workshops include:

  • Communicating with Your Child
  • Reading Your Child’s Signs
  • Testing Pre-school Child and Keys to Co-operation
  • Staying Friends with Your Friends
  • Children’s Growth Patterns