CURRICULUM: What Does the Child Learn in the Classroom?

In our classroom the child has the opportunity to explore language, math, sensorial and practical life, art, science, geography and special progarm activities.

In our LANGUAGE area, the child experiences activities from pre-reading and pre-writing through reading and writing. This builds a very strong foundation for basic skills, which includes a successful use of language and a means of expression and communication.

In the MATH area, the children develop logic and reasoning skills. Through the use of a wide variety of manipulatives, the child also gains the knowledge of numbers, number symbols, sequencing, and linear counting, including addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division.

The SENSORIAL area of the classroom helps each child refine their senses and develop skills in thinking, judgement, concentration, comparing and sequencing. This prepares them for more complex leaning in other areas.

In the PRACTICAL LIFE area activities embody the understanding that children learn by living: living is learning. The activities focus on physical skills that the child is developing, which are necessary for life in their culture, such as spooning, pouring, squeezing, twisting, lacing, etc.

ART is an area where the students can freely express themselves through the use of many materials. Art appreciation is also a part of the curriculum. Introducing the children to different artists and various mediums of art.

The GEOGRAPHY materials guide the child to an understanding and appreciation of the world in which they live.. The children learn about our earth as a whole, its continents and oceans, its landforms and its countries and cultures. The landscape, animals and climates of various parts of the world are discussed.

The school specializes in SCIENCE and THE ENVIRONMENT.
This program was designed in conjunction with an employee of the CT State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Our Science Program promotes hands-on exploration of topics related to Earth Science, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. The school has hosted guest speakers from a variety of organizations including NASA, the CT Water Bureau, Mystic Aquarium, The Audubon Society and the CT DEP. HCAMS regularly participates in community-based recycling activities to promote our role in environmental stewardship. In 2005, HCAMS was awarded the "Children's Environmental Healthy Recognition Award" from the National Environmental Protection Agency.

The school offers several programs designed to enhance a child’s learning experience. While these programs vary on a yearly basis, they can include all or some of the following on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis:

Spanish
Students participate in a popular Spanish language program. Through music, stories and special activities, the children are exposed to the language and culture of another country.

Cooking
Children love to cook and at HCAMS, they get the opportunity to prepare nutritious snacks. Cooking is an excellent opportunity to engage children in discussion regarding healthy eating, as well as practical math and science skills.

Music
We are in the initial phases of developing a music program.