TODDLERS
(Level 1)

Oak Park Day School is more than a daycare. We are a school. While we encourage our toddlers to wiggle, play, and express themselves, part of what makes us a stand-apart preschool is we follow a curriculum.

The Toddler Classroom has space for 20 students led by two teachers, who work in independent groups within the classroom.

The day is organized in increments of circle time, singing time, reading time, creative play, recess, snack times, nap time, and special activities. This allows children to move between sedentary and action-based learning to keep bodies and minds stimulated.

(1) Learning COLORS
– Circle Time: Flashcards (Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, White, Black, Brown, Gray, Purple, Pink, and Orange)
– Combining Primary Colors (examples: Yellow + Blue = Green, Red + Blue = Purple, Red + Yellow = Orange)

(2) Introducing PRIMARY SHAPES
– Circle Time: Flashcards (Circle, Square, Triangle, & Rectangle)
– Playing Games in Centers to reinforce lessons

(3) Learning LETTERS & their SOUNDS
– Circle Time: Flashcards
– Playing Games in Centers to reinforce lessons

(4) Identifying NUMBERS (1-20)
– Circle Time: Flashcards
– Playing Games in Centers to reinforce lessons

(5) COUNTING (1-20) forward and backward
– Circle Time: Flashcards
– Playing games in Centers to reinforce lessons

(6) Building Early READING SKILLS
– Circle Time: Flashcards (Examples: Where are they? In a store, airport, or restaurant?)
– Reading very short stories aloud in class

(7) Introduction to POTTY TRAINING
– Children ready to begin potty training early will be sent to the restroom frequently to encourage them in the process

(8) Building MOTOR SKILLS
– Throwing a ball, catching a ball, jumping, tumbling, etc

(9) Introduce GROUPING SIMILAR ITEMS
– Learning to group similar items (clothes, fruits, shapes, etc) utilizes the same part of the brain we use for Algebra

(10) Developing DEXTERITY
– Introduce how to properly hold a large crayon, paint brush, eating utensils, etc.

(11) Introduce ETIQUETTE and GOOD MANNERS
– Sitting properly at a table
– Asking instead of grabbing

(12) Learn about FEELINGS and the different MOODS
– Happy, Sad, Mad, Scared, Surprised, etc.

(13) Encouraging CREATIVITY and IMAGINATION through ART
– Painting, Coloring, Moulding, etc

(14) Exploring SCIENCE and the World around us
– Playing in the Science Center
– Weekly Projects and Experiments
– Introduction to Nature, Weather, Magnets, Habitats, the Solar System, Body Parts, Food and Nutrition, etc.

(15) Learning through MUSIC
– Music Class with Mr. Chris every Thursday Afternoon
– Singing and listening to songs daily to teach children: days of the week, months, and how to spell color words
– Singing and listening to songs to encourage imagination and creativity

(16) Introduction to SPANISH
– Spanish class once a week to introduce children to basic conversation, colors, body parts, etc.