The senior class of The Hungry Caterpillar School has a lot of expectations and responsibilities to shoulder. They reflect the environment they come from. We have a structured, tried and tested interesting curriculum in place for the children to develop a positive attitude to all learning. Observe, investigate, enquire, classify and record is the approach followed in all areas of learning. Children will butterfly their way out of Preschool with a sound foundation and a refined and integrated personality.
Reading is the key to all knowledge and a lifelong source of pleasure. We at the school provide them with reading schemes that suit the age group. Progress in reading schemes is monitored individually and the progress is recorded. Look and say words that cannot be spelt phonetically are introduced and practiced with the help of teaching aids and word games. ‘Jolly phonics’ literacy method bk. 5,6,and 7 cover all areas of English; double sound words, consonant blends and sentences. Exposure to composition, fill in the blanks, dictation and comprehension is introduced here. Speaking and Listening aims to develop communication and listening skills. The children are taught and monitored correct pronunciation, fluency in speech patterns, clarity of speech and vocabulary development. To clarify the thoughts in a logical sequence, several activities are programmed like; news broadcasting, little speeches, narration of stories, recitation of poems and relating experiences.
Mathematics is the priority subject. In Pre-school the children form a basis for all their future learning. Rote counting, writing, number value, recognition, math concepts, math games, addition, subtraction, sequencing and ordinals are learnt. Experience with practical activity first and then record, go for it hands-on and solve the problem!
Knowledge and Understanding of the world – “How do things work?” A normal enquiry from a five year old!! Curiosity for quest is satisfied with the abundant facilities available at Hungry Caterpillar with a well-stacked library, an adequate natural terrain for scientific observation. The secrets the sky holds is a favourite with these children, taught through the medium of role-play, art and books. Prehistoric history-names, characteristics and classification are touched on. Fossils are discussed at length and the children become budding archeologists as they dig for fossils. Changes that occur in nature, both man-made and natural, are some experiments the children conduct.
The top class assumes the part of being role models for the rest of the school by way of appropriate patterns of behaviour, care, love and affection. Personal and social education permeates the whole school curriculum. It is important for the child’s development and has an impact on the ability to learn. A positive sense of self-esteem, responsibility and sensitivity are some of the qualities aimed at. Stories and activities and adults being role models reinforce our goals. Highlights: ‘Good touch bad touch’ topic is explained with creativity as well as safety rules. Collective problem solving is encouraged.
Opportunities allow the children for free expression in drawing and painting to awaken talent. Still life and landscape painting are also included in our creative development. Drama, puppet shows, talent shows are encouraged.
Sports are at least once a week and themes like aerobics, gymnastics, are planned to unleash excessive energy, which is a characteristic of this group. Swimming is an enjoyable exercise the children look forward to and they have the opportunity to show off their swimming prowess during the swimming gala.
The little people in the making will emerge confident and courageous to face the bigger challenge of schooling due to our untiring efforts.
Happy Graduation!