Special Activities
Educational Centers, Part 2

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Library Center

Our library center offers children a large variety of books to help every child read their first books. In this center we also have story-telling throughout the day. This area is one of comfort and silence during certain activities. (e.g., when children can eventually read by themselves)

Activities include

story telling, reading in groups and individually; re-telling the story in their own words; role-playing; repetition and sharing ideas

Mathematics Center

This center introduces the children to their first mathematical concepts. Children will demonstrate an understanding of sets and whole numbers; identify the characteristics of two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects; recognize and use patterns; measure and compare the length, weight, mass, capacity, and temperature of objects, and demonstrate awareness of the passage of time; collect, display, and interpret date in daily activities; show willingness to persevere in solving problems and seek further information, assistance, or materials when necessary.

Activities include

sorting and classifying objects into sets; matching objects; counting orally; estimating; recognize and write numerals from 1-10; demonstrate awareness of addition and subtraction in everyday life; simple measurements; identify the value of some coins; language use; shapes; graphs and grids

Language Center

This center concentrates on the use of the English language through reading, listening, speaking and reading. Children will communicate effectively by listening and speaking; demonstrate understanding of a variety of written materials that are read to them (e.g., stories, poems, informational materials); make sense of simple written materials (e.g., familiar words, signs, labels), use reading strategies that are appropriate for beginners; communicate thoughts and feelings, use writing strategies that are appropriate for beginners; use and respond to a variety of media materials.

Activities include

communicating needs; listening and responding to others in a variety of contexts; following simple directions; asking question; expressing feelings, and sharing ideas; listening and responding orally to language patterns in stories and poems;printing most of the letters of the alphabet, writing using a variety of tools; listening to stories, poems, and non-fiction materials for enjoyment and information; demonstrating understanding of a story; recognizing words

World Civilization Center

This center is an introduction to our planet. Here we focus on learning about our environment, the geography of the world, lakes, rivers, oceans, planets and main historical aspects that have contributed to the growth of human civilization.

Activities include

visits to the museum (as appropriate); through art projects the creation of our earth, making of maps, learning historical facts, learning new vocabulary and terms

Circle Time

Circle time intends to give the children a chance to exchange ideas and to discuss them with their classmates. This activity helps them to develop auditory/visual discrimination; concept and language development; listening skills; self-confidence and participation.

Activities include

exchanging of ideas; discussion; songs; finger play; play acting, introducing themes, and show and tell

Outdoor Play

Playtime helps develop large muscle co-ordination; self confidence; co-operation; imagination; release of energy and emotions; body awareness; exploration of the environment.

Activities include:

climbing equipment; slides; sandbox; swings; tricycles; painting

Project Time (Afternoon)

Primary students do projects in the afternoon, from 13-15pm. Projects are a continuation of the Centers, but each topic is explored in further depth. Each day, we will focus on a different subject, for example: Monday - Sports, Health awareness and nutrition; Tuesday - Science and Discovery/World Civilization; Wednesday - Language/Mathematics through Art; Thursday - Science Experiments; Friday - Art and Drama. This time will also feature excursions to many natural and historical areas of Prague.

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