Pond Pals (4-5 years)

LEAD TEACHER, JOEL GWIDT

Mr. Joel works full time, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Pond Pal Room.  He has a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin and is CPR and First Aid certified.  Joel joined HCELC in 2005.

ENVIRONMENT

• An exciting room where children are encouraged to actively explore during three hours of free play per day
• Children continue practicing the structures of group care that will help to ease the transition into kindergarten and the school system
• The environment is changed to support the lesson plans
• This room is licensed for up to sixteen children

CURRICULUM

• Lesson plans consist of activities in social emotional growth, motor skill development, acquisition of language, cognitive development and Christianity 
• Activities are planned using individual time, small groups, large groups, and music and movement
• An emphasis is placed on the three areas of math concepts:  number and operations, spatial relationships and measurements
• Children are exposed to all areas of develoment through theme-based units that encourage exploration and curiosity
• Teachers plan activities to motivate children to engage in writing and encourage and assist children in their writing efforts 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

• Teachers encourage and welcome parent participation and involvement