Lions, & Tigers, & Learning…Oh My!
Last month at Sonnets, our curriculum theme was “Open Up the Curtains - Broad World for Kids”, introducing children to the enchanting world of Broadway! We ignited their imagination & creativity, planting the seeds for a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts. Through interactive & age-appropriate activities, we immersed our young learners in the magical realm of musical storytelling, showcasing the dazzling costumes, infectious music, and vibrant characters. Teachers provided lesson plans that allowed us to explore the spectacle of Broadway, through lively sing-alongs, delightful role-playing, & creating our own puppet shows, we fostered confidence, communication skills, and a deep love for the stage from an early age.
Dramatic play - one of our favorite areas in the classroom! Through dramatic play, preschoolers have the opportunity to explore various roles and scenarios, allowing them to understand different perspectives and develop empathy. Engaging in make-believe scenarios also helps children practice language and communication skills as they interact with their peers, negotiate roles, and develop stories together.
Neighborhood Fun
It may have been January, but these Chicago kids lucked out with some amazing “winter” weather. All bundled up, our classrooms were able to enjoy their favorite neighborhood parks, playscapes, and walking routes — including trips to the zoo! With the fresh, crisp air & open spaces stimulating our senses, we nurtured our appreciation for the great outdoors.
Baby Stretches
Yoga introduces us to the practice of mindfulness and physical movement, helping children establish healthy habits for both their bodies and minds.
Through simple and playful yoga poses, infant yoga:
develops flexibility & balance
encourages postural control
increases body awareness
“Roar” says the Lion!
What would Broadway be without the “Lion King”? Through interactive storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and sing-alongs to the iconic songs, our toddlers were encouraged to roar like lions & mimic the graceful movements of Simba and Nala. They engaged in art activities to bring their favorite characters to life. Using various tools to mix colors & tap the paper, they created a unique lion’s mane - fit for a king!
THE SONNeTS LEARNING PHILOSoPHY
Sonnets embraces a balanced approach to early childhood education: nurturing your child’s social-emotional skills, their excitement about play & discovery, and their confidence & readiness for future learning. Sonnets has developed a comprehensive roadmap of developmentally-appropriate curricular objectives from early infancy through pre-kindergarten. Teachers incorporate objectives into lesson plans and continuously assess each child’s proficiency in each skill to aid in personalization.
Active and experiential learning comes alive through whole group, small group, individual, and pairs-based instruction. Open-ended stations and free play place the focus on the process of engaging in the activity rather than on a desired outcome — encouraging creativity, curiosity, and overall cognitive engagement. Hands-on projects reinforce a collaborative approach to a community-based learning environment.
