Toddler Program
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Bienvenue au Petit Jardin!
The Petit Jardin provides a sense of “home away from home” to our very young students. Our primary goal is to help the children develop strong social and communication skills while gradually becoming more independent. Over the years, many long-lasting friendships have started in the Petit Jardin!
The Petit Jardin’s nurturing and stimulating environment is designed to encourage children to explore and discover the various areas in their classroom at their own pace. Thematic units are used to introduce the children to pre-academic concepts and reinforce motor skill development. Throughout the day, the children participate in carefully selected sensorial and hands-on activities that foster their sense of curiosity and creativity.
The following is an example of topics explored by the Petit Jardin children in one of our thematic units about Wild Animals.
Pre-Academic Activities
Literacy
E is for Elephant! The children will stomp on all the E’s that they see on the floor.
Math
How many animals are in each pen? We will build a zoo in the block area and count the animals in each enclosure. The children will also learn about triangles as they look at the shapes of the blocks that they use to make the zoo. We will read the book Actual Size by Steve Jenkins.
Science
Which animals have wings? Which animals have tails? The children will compare the characteristics of different animals using giant flashcards.
French
The children will learn the words le lion (lion), le tigre (tiger), le singe (monkey) and la rivière (river) as they help the animals find their way to the water for a drink. We’ll practice some more by reading Drôles d’animaux de Jean-Jacques Vacher.
Creative and Performing Arts
Art
Each child will make an easel painting of his or her favorite animal.
Music
It’s time to do the Jungle Boogie! We will listen to this song and pretend to be animals at the zoo! The children will also learn the song “Five Little Monkeys.”
Movement
Let’s go on a safari! We will get out our “binoculars” to look for wild animals all around the classroom.
Drama
Roar like a lion! The children will use puppets as they identify animals by sound.
Sensorial Activity
Look into the sensory table! Can you find the animals hiding in the tall grass?
Practical Life Activity
Let’s get ready to play outside! We will learn how to put on our coats and boots.
Social Skill Activity
Let’s practice asking for a turn during group activities and cooperative play.