Formations

St. James the Greater Early Childhood Education Center believes in teaching the whole child and meeting the child at their individual needs. We believe children learn best through play based, interactive whole group, small group and one-on-one activities. Our goal is to foster a love of learning by meeting each child’s spiritual, social and academic needs. 

Faith Formation:

• Learn the sign of the cross and basic prayers 
• Build a basic understanding of God, Jesus and Mary
• Recite daily prayers (beginning of the day, snack, lunch and end of the day)
• Learn Bible stories and participate in virtue lessons and activities 
• Participate in Advent and Lent activities

Social/Emotional Formation:

• Express feelings appropriately
• Positive conflict resolution
• Interact appropriately with peers and teachers 
• Take care of classroom materials
• Use manners
• Take care of personal/self-help skills
• Increase problem solving skills

 Language/Literacy Formation:

• Handwriting Without Tears
• Letters (upper case, beginning sounds)
• Recognizing first name in print
• Spelling first name with/without visual cues
• Making personal connections to stories and read alouds
• Pre- writing using scribbles
• Writing skills using dictation, pictures and words
• Building reading stamina 
• Retelling stories 
• Matching
• Positional words
• Sequencing

Mathematical Formation:

• Colors
• Number Sense
  • Counting 1-20
  • Number recognition 1-20
  • One to one correspondence
• Algebra
  • Sorting
  • Patterning
• Geometry 
  • Shapes
  • Spatial Awareness (how pieces fit and work together) 
• Measurement 
  • Length
  • Height
  • Capacity
  • Weight 
• Data Analysis and Probability
  • Graphing 

Art/Sensory Formation: 

• A variety of art using a range of mediums and activities 
• Messy play (finger paint, shaving cream, etc.)
• Use of sensory table 
• Use creative art to express thoughts and feelings

Science- science is taught through hands-on exploration, guided discovery, and inquiry-based learning that aligns with young children’s natural curiosity. Rather than direct instruction or formal lessons, teachers integrate scientific thinking into everyday play and routines.

We incorporate STREAM into our curriculum (science, technology, religion, engineering, art and mathematics) where we do lots of science demonstrations and experiments (we make slime, gingerbread houses, ice cream in-a-bag and much more!). 

Social Studies- social studies is taught through experiences that help children understand themselves, their community, and the world around them—all within the context of play, daily routines, and meaningful relationships.

Early childhood social studies focuses on developing social skills, cultural awareness, and community understanding.