curriculum
what we teach
Elim Preschool is one of the few schools that were chosen to
receive a grant from the Cargill Corporation to work with the
Minnesota Humanities Commission to implement the world renowned
'Core Knowledge® curriculum'. Core
Knowledge® was developed to help schools set the foundation for
later learning by sequentially guiding students in five
key areas of developmentally vital learning. These five areas
for preschool are:
language
skills: develop language skills to describe, sequence and
organize information and to develop literary skills in reading
and writing; develop vocabulary and syntax; listen and respond
to nursery rhymes, poems, finger plays, songs and stories.
motor
skills: develop motor skills in eye and hand coordination,
body image and balance through group games and by using the body
expressively.
work
habits: develop work skills in memorization, following
directions, work initiation, comprehension of 'school language'
through planning, organizing, and completing assigned tasks.
social skills: develop social skills in autonomy, sense of
self and responsibility through working in groups, asking for
and offering help, taking turns, following rules and respecting
others.
cognitive development: develop cognitive skills in
mathematical reasoning, number sense, scientific reasoning, in
the musical and visual arts and the physical world, orientation
in time and space.
how
we teach:
The Core Knowledge® sequence provides a structure for what
we teach; however, the way we teach is through play. We believe
that preschoolers learn most effectively through appropriately
designed play experiences. Our classroom environment is divided
into basic play areas designed to stimulate the young mind to
explore and learn the skills listed above.