The focus of this half-day early learning program for three and four years olds is on academic readiness   for   school.  Our child centred, child-directed   environment  presents concepts through  projects  which are of interest to the child and  developmentally appropriate.   We place emphasis on  literacy, numeracy, speech and language and gross and fine motor skills. Our goals are to develop a positive attitude toward learning, to foster independence, to develop social interaction skills, to develop order and concentration and to develop respect for others and their environment.   Our program operates from 8:30am to 11:30 am on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for four year olds and Thursday and Friday for three year olds.

THE ENVIRONMENT
Welcome to the land of Lilliput where learning is fun with  new  discoveries every day.   When your preschooler arrives in the morning he/she is greeted by the teacher and “signs in.”  The child then selects an activity from  a  variety of work stations  filled with age appropriate materials.  He/she may choose to play  with magnets in the Science Centre or test his skills with puzzles or manipulatives in the Fine Motor area. The Road to Reading area is a cozy corner with many interesting books to look at or the child size kitchen is an inviting area for those interested in Dramatic Play. Deciding to paint a masterpiece at the easel  is the choice for little Rembrants or working in  the Block Corner to build the Confederation Bridge  is the choice for our little engineers.  The teacher is always close by to ask questions or share ideas with the goal of developing a project of interest.  One morning at gathering time the children showed an interest in the Olympics which  were being watched and  discussed at home .  The following morning the teacher brought in a photo of  the Olympic circles and a replica of an  inukshuk. Lots of discussion followed regarding what these objects stood for.  Colors, interlocking circles, carving in stone, and Inuit People.  Many learning opportunities developed from this project.

FIELD TRIPS
Children learn best through “hands-on” and we endeavour to present as many learning opportunities as possible through direct experience.  Weather permitting, in the fall we visit an apple orchard and a farm, visit the local library, and at the end of the year, our big excursion is a train trip.

LILLIPUT REPORT
You may speak with the teacher about your child’s morning or check the white board outside classroom door to discover the  details of class activities.  Photos and stories, which document learning are stored in your child’s binder and are easily accessible to both you and your child.  Once a year a parent –teacher day is held to inform parents of their child’s progress. At the end of the  year  your child gets a report card indicating the areas of readiness and what level he has accomplished. We encourage parents to share any information about their child that might be helpful.

LILLIPUT GRADUATION
Graduation is held during the third week of June and is  always an exciting  time.   It is here the children get to show off some of the skills they have learned through the year.  We rent a large auditorium so all family and extended family members have comfortable seating.  The lights go down, music fills the air  and the graduation march begins.  Dressed in cap and gown the children march in through the audience and up on the stage.  Parents and teachers beam with pride as each child approaches the microphone and introduces himself.  The program continues with each child doing his best and always one or two who steal the show.