The alphabet, particularly letter recognition is at the introductory level in the toddler and transitional toddler program. But introduction to the alphabet is not planned through flashcards and "letter of the day" and crafts. Instead it's intentionally integrated in the environment, in invitations to play and inquire, and also through our daily welcome and morning meeting. Our toddlers are picking up on things quite quickly. They begin to recognize that letters make words and that a particular letter ‘stands’ for their name. Our cups and cubbies help reinforce this everyday! 

We of course take opportunities to draw attention to letters, but we let curriculum and interest dictate which letter that may be. If we're exploring the water and the garden, perhaps the letter will be "g" or "w". We build upon phonemic awareness by hearing the sound that starts the word. "Oh, I wonder if anyone's name starts with the same sound?" Once littles are ready to transition to Bloomer and Blossom programs they typically can identify the letters in their name, most can also identify all the letters of the alphabet by sound and sight. 

We use zoo phonics to aid us with literacy development as well. All programs use zoo phonics- combining movement, letter association, and letter sound. 

Thank you, Mr. Harry 

Thank you to all prospective families who attended Open House today. It was absolutely wonderful meeting all of you!

A special thanks to Emily, Matteo, Jake, Naveed, Benny, Olivia, Giancarlo, and their older siblings for filling our walls with much excitement! Our enrichment stations were put to great use- between Mr. Harry, Ms.Lourdes, and Ms. Mariya, four bowls of 'soup' and more than six 'sandwiches' were consumed; three sky scrapers were approved habitable, tons of play dough sea stars were carefully crafted and released back into the 'habitat', and four paintings were added to our "Little Artists' Gallery.

Needless to say, we had great fun and hope to see all of you again very soon.