Educational Objectives
Educational Objectives
Grades/groups 1 and 2
In these infants’ groups (age 4 and 5) we work on the basis of themes e.g. traffic, summertime, autumn, spring. In a playful way the children learn how their world works. We give much attention to language acquisition, because this is the basis for learning. We use the method 'Logo 3000' for this and this method is also used by kindergarten De Bennekel in our city district.
In every theme there are walk-in mornings, which means that the parents can play with their children in the group during the first 20 minutes. Parents will be regularly informed of the coming theme by a theme booklet in groups 1 and 2.
Groups 3 – 8
In group 3 children start learning the basic skills: reading, writing,
(Dutch) language and arithmetic. For this we use modern methods with the latest educational insights. We think it is important that learning links up with the child’s world. Learning should not be dull but fascinating and challenging for all children. That is why the children of group 3 work in corners every day, corners where they put the skills taught into practice. The varying corners are adapted to the children’s level and the educational goals are fitting to the methods.
Reading
In groups 1 and 2 we start reading to the children in an interactive way. This in preparation of the reading lessons, which are started in group 3. We use the latest edition of “Veilig Leren Lezen” ( Learning to Read in a Safe way).
We pay a lot of attention to technical reading and learning to understand the text. In the higher groups increasing emphasis is put on reading comprehension and information processing. Reading comprehension makes clear if the children have understood the text.
Dutch language
De Kameleon works with the method “Staal” (“Steel”) In every theme “Staal” lays a strong foundation of knowledge. The first two weeks the children gain knowledge; in the third week they process this knowledge in a publication or presentation of their own making. They really get busy with language. An excellent preparation for later.
In “Staal” the pupils work with sources, texts and photos that they also come across outside the classroom. They work towards a meaningful end product. “Staal” does not make the children write for the teacher, but makes language-teaching functional and realistic.
Writing
In groups 1 and 2 we start with preparatory writing exercises. In group 3 children start writing joined-up.
We think it is important that children first acquire a handwriting with a clear lettertype. For this purpose we use a modern writing method that gives sufficient attention to the development of fine motor skills both for righthanded and lefthanded children. From group 6 the method also provides for creative writing, a first step towards the development of a personal handwriting.
Arithmetic and maths
In groups 3-8 we use the latest edition of “Wereld in Getallen” (World in Numbers). In these lessons we teach the children to solve practical problems from daily life. They learn to read and make tables and graphs themselves. Of course they also learn tables of multiplication, ciphering, fraction and percent sums etc.
English
In groups 7 and 8 English is taught with the method “Blink Engilisch”. With “Groove me” you learn to speak, write, read, listen and sing English.
World orientation and traffic
From group 5 we enlarge the children’s world by means of the teaching methods of “Blink Wereld”. These methods start from activating didactics through which pupils set out discovering and investigating themselves. So they are not again busy with reading comprehension but actively augment their knowledge of the world. This process positively influences their skills in reading, language and arithmetic. On the basis of themes children are actively involved every lesson and develop various 21st century skills.
In all groups attention is paid to traffic, traffic rules and traffic safety, so important for children. In group 7 children get a written and a practical traffic test. Regularly we avail ourselves of the project “Streetwise” organised in cooperation with ANWB ( AA, Automobile Association). Besides we have a traffic square of our own in the schoolground where especially the lower groups practice traffic situations.
Physical Education PE
In the infants’ groups PE is in the timetable every day. From group 3 the children have a gym class in the gym twice a week. Once a week this class is given by their regular teacher and once a week by the subject teacher. Besides learning various forms of motion the children learn game insight in play, as well as sportmanslike and social behaviour and engagement. Our PE subject teacher also provides for after school activities on Friday.
Expression activities
Nowadays practically all modern methods offer practice exercises in the creative
field such as creative language use, art tasks and dramatic expression. Moreover the pupils are also taught definite techniques in handcrafts and drawing. It is of great importance that they can express their ceativity and enjoy handling materials.