Some of you may be familiar with the original reading curriculum called Step Two. For some of you, this may not be the first time you have heard of it.
When enrolling your child in kindergarten preschool there is often a packet of information or online access to documents such as: daily schedule, school information, staff history, overview of our programs, etc. You may not always realize that little thing. logos are usually displayed under the wrap on a web page (in the form below) or printed in a small font in the advertising folders. Although they are rarely discussed at the time of registration, they are actually very important. One of those small but very important logos is Step Two.
What do we need to know?
Step Two is an important curriculum that focuses on the social and emotional development of students moving to playschool .... therefore, all of our children in kindergarten. At the heart of the school curriculum are our favorite maths, science, art, music, physical education, reading and writing as part of the continuous lessons that our children run on a daily basis. While these lessons are at the core of what our students will continue to learn in the next few years, we must not forget the importance of teaching and learning about the social and emotional skills that allow us to succeed in life.
Step 2 skills are focused on empathy, emotional control, friendships and problem solving even though it may seem like a small thing ... learning how to learn.
Why is this important?
When students enter kindergarten with self-control and social skills taught through the program, they are organized for success. This program is designed to keep children engaged through themes, activities and books!
So, how is this used in the classroom?
Every week there is a new theme. For example, Same or Different Feelings. Each day of the school week, there is a story, discussion, practice activity or book directly related to the topic. Time is built on a daily routine to discuss social-emotional. Children are involved and encouraged to participate.
How does this affect my child?
Every day, our students do activities such as using texts and tapes to discuss a church theme. Dolls are re-introduced on many days and used during story and conversation to be recognized and remembered.
How does this affect you caregiver?
Each week, parents should all receive a printed letter containing information about the Second Step week theme. Here you have access to information that you can use at home to engage in conversation with your child. The printout provides suggestions for games to be played at home and covers the basic topics of the story your student read in class. There are questions to follow that will help your child remember what he or she learned! This does not require much time and can be a good start for a conversation in the car or during the sleep process.
Why are these themes so important?
Let's take "same or different feelings" as an example. In childhood, children begin to realize that people can feel and think differently about the same situation. This ability is an important part of public opinion. Without this understanding, children will not consider the existence of any concept other than their own.
These lessons are very important to our students. To teach young people how to be self-aware but considerate of others, to teach self-control by using our strengths and ultimately, to teach them how to solve problems instead of relying on others to solve their own problems.
Here at Premiere, we are grateful for the inclusion of a team of highly trained, enthusiastic and passionate teachers who spend time every day raising our children where it matters! Our teachers not only involve students in the classroom, but also get to see our students live with these skills during lunch, breaks, and free play. Another said, the game is the most advanced form of research. Please do not hesitate to ask us more about the curriculum or if you are looking for kindergarten schools, ask what kind of emotional communication system they follow.