Development of letter-sound relationships occurs within the framework of stories the children read and write. This specific instruction is always tied to meaning. Foundations for reading and writing are built on what children already know and by expanding and enriching their language through experiences that encourage listening, thinking, and speaking. Problem-solving skills are encouraged and developed throughout the year as children make up their own math stores, solve and illustrate simple story problems, and share their thinking about how a problem is solved. Science In science, children investigate and understand simple patterns in their daily lives by recognizing classroom routines, observing and discussing daily weather patterns and seasonal changes.
Children begin to investigate and understand the needs and life processes of plants and animals.
Activities with shapes, magnets, sand and water encourage further discovery, investigation, and problem solving. Social Studies Children examine a variety of picture books, information books, and other materials to acquire additional knowledge about themselves as individuals, part of a family, and a community. Children share family traditions and celebrations, observe changes within the community, and explore American traditions, leaders and historical events. In geography, children begin to learn basic term and skills, and locate areas of land and water on maps and globes. Differences between economic needs and wants are included in the social studies program.