Curriculum Spotlight
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY EVERY DAY
Get a glimpse into the Sonnets Academy early learning experience by discovering our monthly curriculum themes.
During literacy month at Sonnets, we focused on fostering a love for reading and language development in young children. Our classrooms provided an environment that encouraged children of all ages to explore books, stories, and various forms of written expression. Our literacy activities were designed to be engaging and interactive, aiming to spark children’s curiosity and imagination. Through storytelling, reading aloud, and hands-on literacy experiences, the children were able to build on their early literacy skills and have fun while doing so! Literacy month provides a valuable opportunity to celebrate the joys of reading and to emphasize the importance of literacy in a child’s overall development.
A child’s curiosity and creativity enables a natural desire to explore their surroundings, experiment with different materials, and build structures using their imaginations. Through hands-on exploration, experimentation, and observation, educators can introduce basic scientific concepts in ways that are engaging and developmentally appropriate for our young learners. Last month at Sonnets, we dove deeper into the exciting world of science! Activities such as nature walks, simple experiments, and sensory experiences, allowed children to learn about the properties of materials, the weather, plants and animals, and other scientific phenomena, developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world all around us.
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.
At Sonnets, we recognize the power of music as an essential aspect of early childhood education. While our Music Enrichment Program allows us to learn and explore through music year round, last month our curricular theme “For the Record, You’re a Classic” allowed us to expand on this important and fun learning medium. Lesson plans focused on developing an appreciation for different genres, rhythms, and melodies. From singing and dancing to playing musical instruments, we encouraged children to express themselves creatively and connect with the world of music.
Exploring the delightful world of words that sound like what they describe can be both educational & fun. Children eagerly mimic animal sounds, the crunching of leaves, or the sirens of a firetruck, grasping the concept with enthusiasm. This early exposure to onomatopoeia not only nurtures their language development but also encourages their creativity, imagination, and sensory awareness. Last month at Sonnets, we focused on building our vocabulary and enhancing our ability to make connections between words and the world around us. We are also grateful for families who were able to participate in our school activities/events this November. They witnessed first-hand the growth of their little ones as they embraced the concept of thankfulness.
Last month at Sonnets Academy, we embarked on a magical journey as we ignited wanderlust in young hearts and introduced them to the excitement of travel! Our imaginations transported us to diverse corners of the world, unraveling the wonders of different cultures, languages, and landscapes, including our own neighborhoods. Through hands-on activities, interactive storytelling, and engaging projects, our little travelers packed their suitcases and their creativity as they hit the road for adventure & discovery.
At Sonnets Academy, fostering friendship is at the heart of the preschool experience. Young hearts connect as social skills blossom through imaginative play, art projects, circle time, and collaborative games. Preschoolers learn the value of teamwork and collaboration by sharing toys, taking turns, and exploring together, creating a strong foundation for social and emotional growth. Within a nurturing environment, children experience the joy of companionship as they laugh, play, and learn side-by-side. Children discover empathy and compassion as they lend a helping hand to their friends, extending kindness and understanding.
An essential journey commences in the exciting years of early childhood: the exploration of social-emotional growth. At Sonnets Academy, we understand that this significant phase sets the stage for lifelong emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy relationships as children learn about themselves in relation to others. Through our play-based learning model, we create an environment that provides the freedom and reassurance needed to develop independence, while also providing a vibrant social setting that supports children in developing social skills as well as healthy emotional expression/regulation.
As Summer continues, Sonnets Academy is taking advantage of the opportunities to enjoy or explore the outdoors. Throughout July, we focused on curriculum themes such as Under the Sea, Vacations & Road Trips, Camping, & Outer Space to create as many hands-on discovery experiences as possible!
Summer is a time for fun & sun, but that doesn’t mean learning has to stop! Sonnets is making the most of these warm months with engaging and meaningful activities, keeping us healthy and active all Summer long. From outdoor lesson plans to family events, June marked the beginning of a fun and enriching Summer of learning!
Early childhood focuses on nurturing a child’s curiosity and excitement for learning while they begin to understand the world around them. This month, we turned the curiosity of our every day experiences, and the questions formed from those moments, into a little game of “I Spy!” The theme provided our educators with opportunities to engage with the children and see through the eyes of a child while they built connections and reached developmental milestones.
Preschoolers and infants learn from observing and experiencing the world around them, and they begin to learn about geography by building on their natural curiosity about places. New learning opportunities are everywhere in our complex and dynamic city. For the month of April, our teachers created opportunities for children to understand more about our communities and the city we call home!
March was a month-long celebration of stories & reading for us at Sonnets Academy. Through literacy and storytelling, young learners gain new tools to express themselves, share and communicate with others, and understand the world around them. We believe that sparking excitement about reading through celebration and purposeful play is the key to unlocking early literacy.