THEMES

Our programme is based on Themes. Examples of the themes taught in the class are: zoo, seasons, space, dinosaurs, pets, transportation, community helpers, nursery rhymes and ocean life.

Both religious and general lessons are taught — the religious lessons deal with specific values, emotions and Bible stories.

Music is incorporated into the programme, occasionally using the Autoharp, piano, record player, tape recorder or rhythm instruments. The children learn and sing songs, and we do some creative movement in the gym.

We have begun to teach sign language for common words, and have been pleased at how well the children pick this up.

Activity Time allows the children to move around the room freely. They are encouraged to circulate from one area to another. The children are encouraged to participate and experiment in the art area using chalk, paints, crayons, markers, collage materials and play dough.

Creative Discovery Art takes place during activity time. One craft is completed in each theme. The teachers work with the children one-on-one. We enjoy displaying their artwork.

The Gym Programme is on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Running shoes or rubber-soled shoes should be worn in the gym. In the winter, we advise each parent to keep a pair of their child's running shoes at school. Please put their name inside their shoes, as well as in their rain boots and snow boots.

Show And Tell is theme related. Please refer to your list of themes to know which ones will have Show and Tell. Toys from home are not allowed in the classroom except on Show and Tell days because it can cause problems among the children.

We encourage the children to clean up after themselves. A musical triangle is used to indicate tidy-up time. They learn where equipment belongs and to put it away neatly.

Newsletters are provided for parents and caregivers after every second theme.

BIRTHDAYS

We celebrate each child's birthday. You may bring doughnut holes, chips, cheesies or another type of snack. Health Regulations require the birthday snack to be store-bought. Please avoid any treats with peanuts, as some children are allergic.

Each child receives a card from the teachers to celebrate their birthday, and a crown and a birthday sticker to wear.

Seasonal celebrations such as Hallowe'en, Christmas and Valentine's Day are celebrated in the class. A sign-up list of food and beverages is put up on the hall door. The list enables us to know what will be served at the party.

OBSERVING THE CHILDREN

Each parent is welcome to spend an occasional morning in the classroom. During the year, the parents will be invited to attend our gym class and listen to our music programme.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Any parent who has an occupation, talent or hobby, or even a favourite story or song, suitable for presentation and discussion with three-year-old children is welcome to share that with the class.

Occasionally a sign will be posted asking for a parent to help assist the teachers with a craft activity.

FIELD TRIPS AND VISITORS TO THE CLASSROOM

In the fall, we ask for parent volunteers to accompany the teachers on the class walk to Annette Street to buy a pumpkin.

In the winter, we plan to have a winter play-day on the church lawn. Parents will be asked to help supervise.

Mrs. Jarvis from the Metro Safety Council will come to speak about safety.

The children will be taken to our local fire station to see the fire trucks at the end of May. We will ask for parent volunteers to accompany us on that trip.

We usually have our local Public Health Nurse and a police officer visit the class.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CHILDREN

Progress reports are given in December and at the end of the school year.

Interviews may take place during the year if requested by the parent or teacher.

NOTICE BOARD

Please make sure that you read the notices on the classroom door and on the two bulletin boards outside the classroom. If you have a caregiver, please ask him/her to relay the messages to you.

PICK-UP AND DISMISSAL

The doors to the classroom open at 8:55 a.m. The teachers have their preparation time until then.

Dismissal time is 11:30 a.m. Please wait outside the classroom door for the teacher to come and get you. This way we can ensure that your child leaves our care in a safe and orderly way.

Please let us know upon your arrival in the morning or phone us during the morning if someone different will be picking up your child. Ministry regulations require us to keep records of changes in regular routine of pick-up. We will not release your child to anyone who has not been authorized.