Curriculum
Together We Learn
Together We Learn follows the Early Learning Standards for Illinois for 2 year olds through Pre-K. We work closely with the Kindergarten teachers in our District to achieve the goals our students need to enter Kindergarten. Below, please find information on our integrated curriculum and learn more about our wonderful teachers.
** Ages 2 -5
The Creative Curriculum: Improves Kindergarten readiness, supports the whole child, is research-based, and aligns with Illinois early learning guidelines. The focus is on “the process, not the product.” Included in this is “Mighty Minutes,” which are small teachable moments such as songs, chants, movements, and games to teach language, literacy, math, science, social studies, and physical skills.
Our Language Development instruction promotes “creative thinkers,” emergent readers, and includes:
- Word of the Week – sight word awareness
- Question of the Day – learning how to answer and ask questions
- Phonemic Awareness Time (PAT) (Michael Haggerty) – develops letter and letter sound recognition and language awareness. Includes fun chants, movements, and letter friends, as well as the letter of the week.
Second Step (SEL) Social Emotional Learning – includes a variety of activities to help students learn social-emotional skills such as listening, paying attention, managing behavior, and getting along with others. Students check in each day on the feelings chart to share how they are feeling and are encouraged to discuss their feelings each day.
My Math/Everyday Math – Includes number recognition and writing numbers through 20, counting, patterning, shapes, colors, sorting, same/different, one-to-one matching, comparative, and positional words. Pre-K practices counting to 100 and celebrates the 100th day of school.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) is incorporated throughout the week. Each class conducts various science experiments with each thematic unit.
Our certified lead teachers and staff are required to attend our staff training and development days and receive at least 15 hours of continuing education a year as a requirement of DCFS. All staff is CPR/First Aid certified, are mandated reporters, and have food handler certificates.
TWL encourages open communication with our families through emails, the DOJO school app, monthly newsletters, and parent/child take-home projects, and are provided daily with details, pictures, and videos of each day.
Student assessments and parent/teacher conferences are held twice a year. Our goal is to work closely with our families to prepare our students for lifelong learning. Pre-K graduation is in May and is held at the Wildey Theatre.
Curriculum
Together We Learn follows the Early Learning Standards for Illinois for Preschool and Pre-K. We work closely with the Kindergarten teachers in our District to achieve the goals our students need to enter Kindergarten. The following are part of our integrated curriculum.
- My Math & Everyday Math
- PAT – Phonemic Awareness Time (Michael Haggerty)
- STEAM Science Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)
- Touch Screen Computer Stations
- Thematic Units
- Daily Learning Stations, including self-guided play
- Letter, Number, Color, Shape, Word of the week
- Spanish, yoga, and sign language
- Art, music, and P.E.
- Dance/Yoga Gross Moto – 2X a month with Ms. Susan
- Second Step (SEL) Social Emotional Learning
- Take-Home Activities – Projects to work on as a family to reinforce learning together
- Creative curriculum including “Might Minutes”
- Handwriting – ball/stick manuscript
- Pajama and Spirit days
- Student assessments and parent-teacher conferences twice a year
Pre-K Graduation
Staff training and development
DOJO School App
Open parent/teacher communication
Parent/child take-home activities
2 Year Old Curriculum
Our 2 year old curriculum will be a variation of the curriculum above and have an emphasis on social and emotional learning,