The Goals of Our
Curriculum
A Parent's Guide to Preschool
by Diane Trister Dodge and Joanna Phinney
The most important goals of our preschool curriculum are for children to get along well with
others and become enthusiastic learners. We want children to become independent,
self-confident, curious learners who can work well with others. We're teaching them how to
learn, not just in preschool, but all through their lives. We do this by creating purposeful and
productive play experiences that help children grow in all areas.

Our curriculum identifies goals in four areas of development.

*Social/Emotional: to help children develop independence, self-confidence, and self-control,       
          follow rules and routines, make friends, and learn what it means to be part of a group.

*Physical: to increase children's large muscle skills-- balancing, running, jumping, throwing        
         and catching--and use the small muscles in their hands to do tasks like buttoning,                  
           stringing beads, cutting, drawing, and writing.

*Cognitive: to acquire thinking skills such as the ability to solve problems, to ask questions,        
         and to think logically-- sorting, classifying, comparing, counting, and making                            
           patterns--and to use materials and their imagination to show what they have learned.

*Language: to use words to communicate with others, listen to and participate in                             
            conversations with others, understand the purpose of print, recognize letters and               
              words, and begin writing for a purpose.

Through the activities we plan and the way we organize the classroom, select toys and
materials, plan the daily schedule, and talk with children, we seek to accomplish the goals of
our curriculum and give your child a successful start in school.
Chicago Ridge

10255 Ridgeland Ave.
Chicago Ridge, IL 60415

Phone: 708-425-4233
Fax:     708-425-5215       
CHICAGO RIDGE
OAK LAWN

Oak Lawn

4527 Southwest Hwy.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Phone: 708-424-1335
Fax    : 708-424-1445