METHODOLOGIES AND SKILLS
We begin with a class size and teacher-child ratios that will provide students with greater individualized attention, an essential component of growth at these early ages. We strive to create a warm, nurturing environment where respect for each child's individuality and creativity is valued. Documentation is used to enhance and extend the learning experiences of the children.
Bringing together the teachings of child development theorists, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, with that of Maria Montessori, we follow the belief that children learn best when actively involved in play. Gan Dagan teachers are schooled in these theories and actively and appropriately assist children in their play in order to further enhance the children's knowledge base and learning.
The teachers create their lessons in accordance with theorist Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. We plan lessons for students who are not only linguistic ("word smart") and logical-mathematical ("number/reasoning smart") learners, but also for those who are spatial ("picture smart"), bodily-kinesthetic ("body smart"), musical ("music smart"), interpersonal ("people smart"), intrapersonal ("self smart") and naturalist ("nature smart") learners. We want to ensure all types of learners start out on an equal footing.
Gan Dagan strives to bring out the best in all children. We believe that a degree of independence is essential to individual growth and self esteem. Each age group is structured to create an age appropriate environment to foster this growth.
Younger Two's Class
Emphasis on development of language and conversation, social skills and fine motor skills. Students are encouraged to use crayons and scissors, feed themselves, and talk with others as they explore different objects and sensory items. Students are responsible for helping help clean up.
Older 2's Class
Emphasis on strengthening self-esteem, employing natural curiosity in the learning process, and both fine and gross motor skills. Children are responsible for getting, eating and cleaning up lunch, cleaning the classroom, and following one step directions.
We begin with a class size and teacher-child ratios that will provide students with greater individualized attention, an essential component of growth at these early ages. We strive to create a warm, nurturing environment where respect for each child's individuality and creativity is valued. Documentation is used to enhance and extend the learning experiences of the children.
Bringing together the teachings of child development theorists, Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, with that of Maria Montessori, we follow the belief that children learn best when actively involved in play. Gan Dagan teachers are schooled in these theories and actively and appropriately assist children in their play in order to further enhance the children's knowledge base and learning.
The teachers create their lessons in accordance with theorist Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. We plan lessons for students who are not only linguistic ("word smart") and logical-mathematical ("number/reasoning smart") learners, but also for those who are spatial ("picture smart"), bodily-kinesthetic ("body smart"), musical ("music smart"), interpersonal ("people smart"), intrapersonal ("self smart") and naturalist ("nature smart") learners. We want to ensure all types of learners start out on an equal footing.
Gan Dagan strives to bring out the best in all children. We believe that a degree of independence is essential to individual growth and self esteem. Each age group is structured to create an age appropriate environment to foster this growth.
Younger Two's Class
Emphasis on development of language and conversation, social skills and fine motor skills. Students are encouraged to use crayons and scissors, feed themselves, and talk with others as they explore different objects and sensory items. Students are responsible for helping help clean up.
Older 2's Class
Emphasis on strengthening self-esteem, employing natural curiosity in the learning process, and both fine and gross motor skills. Children are responsible for getting, eating and cleaning up lunch, cleaning the classroom, and following one step directions.