Pre School Program

Our Preschool program is a Montessori / Reggio Emilia Collaboration with baking and mixed media art.​Let's take a look at what it means.......

Both the Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods of education emerged in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. The Reggio Emilia approach was developed in the Northern Italian city of Reggio Emilia in 1945. It was a collaborative effort between a teacher named Loris Malaguzzi and local parents. They aimed to create a childcare system that would result in responsible and respectful citizens, while also enriching the lives of children affected by war. The Reggio Emilia technique gained popularity in Italy and eventually spread to the United States in 1987, leading to the formation of the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance (NAREA) in 2002. The Montessori method was founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, a physician and educator, in Italy in 1907. Dr. Montessori believed that children have a natural ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings and can direct their own education through exploration. Her approach gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s, leading to the establishment of the American Montessori Society (AMS). The AMS supports Montessori schools and teacher programs, making the USA a world leader in Montessori-style education. Both the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches aim to educate the whole child and cultivate citizens who can live harmoniously with others. In Montessori schools, there is a general curriculum that includes subjects like math, language, practical skills, geography, cultural studies, science, and music. Students learn through movement and sensory activities within these topics. On the other hand, Reggio Emilia classrooms do not follow a fixed curriculum. Instead, lessons evolve based on student interest and response, allowing for a more flexible and personalized learning experience. In both approaches, children are encouraged to explore and direct their own educational experiences using their senses. In Montessori, children have the freedom to choose from pre-prepared activities, work independently, and engage in movement. They set their own pace, decide which projects to interact with, and make choices about when to have a snack, play with others, or be quiet. In the Reggio Emilia model, learning is a collaborative process, and any student can contribute to classroom learning. Children use their multiple languages to express their curiosity, ask and answer questions, and learn from their environment with guidance from teachers.

Yum Yum Baking Program
The Yum Yum Baking Program is an exciting and engaging program designed specifically for preschoolers to learn about healthy eating. It serves as a solid foundation for fostering a love of cooking and baking in young children. Teaching children the art of cooking and baking provides them with a lifelong skill that they can utilize throughout their lives. At Creative Minds Children's House, the Yum Yum Baking Program focuses on various aspects of a child's development. Firstly, it helps children develop patience, as they learn to wait for their creations to bake and cool. Additionally, the program promotes teamwork and sharing, as children work together to create delicious treats. The program also emphasizes learning new skills, allowing children to develop independence and confidence in the kitchen. Through hands-on activities and kid-led science experiments, children are inspired to discover and explore the world of baking. This not only enhances their understanding of science but also nurtures their communication and social skills as they interact with their peers and instructors. Following directions is an essential aspect of the Yum Yum Baking Program, teaching children the importance of listening and following instructions. This skill not only benefits them in the kitchen but also carries over into other areas of their lives. Furthermore, the program contributes to language development, as children engage in discussions about ingredients, techniques, and the overall baking process. It also helps improve their motor skills as they manipulate ingredients, measure quantities, and participate in hands-on activities. Most importantly, the Yum Yum Baking Program ensures that children have fun while learning. By creating an enjoyable and interactive environment, children are motivated to explore their creativity, develop a love for healthy eating, and build a strong foundation for a lifelong passion for cooking and baking.

At Creative Minds Children's House, we recognize that stress can affect not only adults but also children. It is important to address stress in children, as they may exhibit signs of stress in different ways. That is why we offer programs that focus on cardio exercise, yoga, and meditation to help children manage their stress and promote overall well-being. 

Cardio Exercise:
In our cardio exercise program, we engage children in simple exercises designed to increase their heart rate to a specific target and boost their respiratory rate. These exercises involve using large muscle groups in the body rhythmically. By participating in cardio activities, children can improve the performance of vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Additionally, cardio exercise has numerous health benefits, including improved mental health, sleep quality, body weight, and metabolism. 

Yoga and Meditation:
Participating in yoga and meditation can provide children with both physical and mental benefits. On a physical level, yoga helps improve balance, strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity in children. Through yoga, children become more attuned to their bodies and breathing, fostering a sense of body awareness and control. Meditation, on the other hand, can assist children in getting better quality sleep, managing the physical effects of their emotions, and enhancing their ability to focus. On a mental level, both yoga and meditation have profound effects on children. These practices can help children improve their focus, memory, attention span, and mental resilience. By engaging in yoga and meditation, children can also experience an improvement in their self-esteem, academic performance, and classroom behavior. These practices teach children to recognize and understand their emotions, enabling them to effectively communicate and express their feelings.

Mixed Media Painting
Engaging students with various art styles, techniques, and materials, mixed media art offers a fun and creative way to explore artistic expression. By providing access to a wide range of art supplies, children are encouraged to experiment with colors, textures, and shapes, fostering a broader understanding of art concepts. In a mixed media art project, students typically layer different materials to create visually appealing artworks. While younger students may initially struggle with handling multiple materials, the process of experimentation teaches them valuable problem-solving skills and helps them understand how colors and textures can complement each other. Structured lessons in mixed media art also provide a framework for experimentation within defined boundaries. For instance, setting a limit of three materials for a project prompts children to consider how these items can work harmoniously together. This challenges students to employ creative thinking, develop visual-spatial skills, and take controlled risks in order to construct a cohesive and compelling piece of art.
 

Clay play/ Clay wheel with children
Playing with clay offers numerous benefits for children's development:

1. Hand-Eye Coordination:

Squeezing, patting, and pounding clay helps children develop hand-eye coordination as they learn to control their movements and manipulate the clay.

2. Fine Motor Skills:

Manipulating clay by poking and pinching helps develop finger and hand muscles, promoting fine motor skills and dexterity.

3. Creativity and Sensory Exploration:

Clay allows children to be creative and explore different textures, shapes, and forms. Rolling, cutting, and shaping the clay encourages imaginative play and artistic expression.

4. Three-Dimensional Thinking:

Working with clay helps children understand three-dimensional objects and spatial awareness. They can create sculptures and objects, giving them a hands-on experience of working with tangible materials.

5. Collaboration and Social Skills:

Clay can be used for collaborative projects, allowing children to socialize, share ideas, and work together. This promotes teamwork, communication, and cooperation.

6. Emotional Expression:

Clay provides a safe and engaging medium for children to express their feelings and ideas. It allows them to communicate and explore emotions through the tactile and malleable nature of the material.

These skills are crucial for children as they prepare for formal education. Clay's versatility as a natural, moldable medium offers endless possibilities for children to learn, create, and explore. It can be used as a cement, an adhesive, and even a paint, adding to its value as an educational tool.