Curriculum Areas

Here at Malaika Learning Center we believe that children are unique individuals, and that each child learns, grows and develops at his or her own pace. We believe that lesson plans and curriculum play an important part in the growth and development of a child. We have chosen Creative Curriculum early learning curriculum that is aligned with the PA early learning standards.

Math (Exploring, Processing, & Processing)

• Numerals 1-10
• Counting objects to 10
• One-to-one correspondence of objects
• Patterns: AB,AABB, ABC
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• Shapes: square, rectangle, circle, triangle
• Matching: symbols, shapes, patterns, etc.
• Same and Different
• More, Less, Same
• Time: Day and Night
• Money: Explore through game, songs, and pretend play

Literacy (Reading, Writing, Speaking, & Listening)

• Exposure to alphabet: letter names and sounds
• Recognize, spell, write first name
• Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly
• Retell familiar stories
• Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences
• Answer questions about stories
• Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays
• Concepts of print left to right direction, holding a book right-side-up
• Build new vocabulary
• Build listening skills
• Strengthen visual discrimination
• Sequencing
  

Science (Exploring, Inquiry, & Discovery)

• Explore science tools: magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, etc.
• Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations
• Observe insect life
• Observe plant growth
• Observe weather and plant life during each season
• Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities
• Identify basic colors and explore color mixing
• Explore the world with the five senses
• Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat
  

Creative Arts

• Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc.
• Use a variety of art materials: crayons, watercolor paint, colored pencils, chalk, etc.
• Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum
• Participate in movement songs and dances
• Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms 7
• Use a variety of children’s instruments
• Participate in dramatic play
• Act out the movements and sounds of animals
  

Social and Emotional Development (Learning about Myself and Others)

• Practice problem-solving skills in social situations
• Work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects
• Share classroom materials with the group
• Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners
• Communicate his/her needs
• Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed
• State personal information: first and last name, age, school name, city, state, country
  

Fine Motor Skills

• Provide opportunities for children to develop fine motor skills through activities such as puzzles, writing, beads, arts and crafts, scissors, blocks, buttons, and zippers.
• Writing, drawing and cutting with sophistication are activities that can be difficult to many preschoolers.
• Open-ended activities such as exploring drawing, painting, working with play dough, and building with Legos will help to develop these muscles.
  

Gross Motor Skills

• Walks up stairs using alternating feet
• Runs with age-appropriate coordination and control
• Throws and catches a playground ball
• Uses playground equipment safely
• Demonstrates age-appropriate safety awareness