Explore and Learn — It’s Fall!
In addition to our regular Preschool program described further below on this page, kiddos can come and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season throughout December at our Explore and Learn afternoon enrichment class!
In December, we embrace the wonder of the season, legends of Santa Claus, and how others around the world celebrate similar figures—like La Befana, a gift-giving matron of Italy. Did you know, in Iceland, Yule Lads and their Yule cat descend from the mountains and prank children?!
Using a variety of maps and globes, we’ll explore world geography. Engaging creative writing and artistic skills, children also will craft their own “Santa” legend and illustrate the myth. Bring your kids, ages 3 – 5, to discover the world of cultural traditions rooted in seasonal change and gratitude. We’ll challenge them to expand their thinking with art, science, and literacy as we Explore and Learn.
Classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Enrollment is month-to-month and the cost is $175 per child per month, prorated for December due to the winter holidays at $135 per child.
We hope that your little ones will join us in December for a lot of serious learning, made seriously fun!
Call 304-876-2004 or email [email protected] to sign up today.
The Morgan Academy preschool program offers children age three to five experiences for true and creative play. The unique space in which the class meets allows areas for both large and small motor development. Art, music, creative movement, story time, and free choice time are part of daily activities.
Goals of Morgan Academy Preschool
- To create an environment that feels safe and secure.
- To “awaken” your child’s spirit and imagination.
- To show the children the natural beauty in the world and to appreciate it.
- To plant the foundation for developing early essential literacy skills.
- To allow the children many play experiences through art, music, and movement.
- To foster the children’s natural urge for independence.
Philosophy
The preschool program is eclectic, which allows children to grow in independence, develop a strong sense of self, and use creativity in working and learning with others. The school environment instills a love for learning and is a place where children can explore and learn at their own pace. Many opportunities are provided for individual and group problem solving.
The preschool is organized around learning centers in a hands-on and child-directed environment, which fosters a physically safe and emotionally secure setting that encourages the development of the “whole child.” Children learn best when provided with an opportunity to freely explore their environment. A loving, positive environment within a small school “family” creates a sense of belonging. While children go through specific stages of development, each child grows and learns at his or her own pace.
Children are invited to explore, discover, and create while the teacher interacts with students individually or in small groups. The curriculum includes language experiences, creative artwork, structured and unstructured play, sand and water play, cooking projects, creative movement, and in-depth science exploration. Meaningful experiences are provided for children to learn about themselves, their families, other cultures, and their communities. A theme-based approach (see “M” week for an example) incorporates all areas of the curriculum, including circle time, music and movement, language arts, math, science, and dramatic play.
Multi-Age Classrooms
Morgan Academy believes that children benefit from being in a mixed-age classroom. Mixed-age groups resemble families. Just like families, children support and take care of one another. Mixed age groups of three, four, and five-year-olds spend their time caring, sharing, helping, working, and playing cooperatively. In addition, multi-age classrooms group children that are in similar stages of development, rather than by age, to stimulate learning.
The curriculum is designed to engage children in planning and working in learning centers. Children are active learners, choosing and working with materials according to their own interests and abilities. All children progress through the same developmental stages but not at the same rate. Mixed-age groups give each child a place to be equal, a leader, and a teacher.
Curriculum
- Outside Play– Children need time each day to exercise and enhance their large motor and social skills during outside play. Children engage in physical and imaginative play, while exploring a variety of equipment that promotes a healthy, physical body by developing flexibility, endurance, and strength.
- Circle Time– Includes a variety of activities: songs, discussions, sharing, music and movement, puppetry, games, poems, finger plays, and concepts (colors, letters, numbers, calendar, shapes, and more). Children learn to participate in discussions, increase their attention span and patience, develop listening skills, and explore sound and experience enjoyment through singing, listening and moving to music.
- Learning Centers– Offer hands-on experiences that allow children to expand and develop cognitive, social, and fine and gross motor skills. Centers include practical life, language arts, sensory, math, science, social studies, library, art, music, dramatic play, and block play. Children are given the opportunity to choose activities to explore and experiment with from a wide variety of activities and materials.
- Clean Up/Snack– Children learn to wash hands and get ready for snack time. They learn table manners such as please, thank you, and you’re welcome. This is a social time where children visit with each other and the teacher.
PRESCHOOL SESSIONS
Monday through Friday
8:45 am – 12:30 pm
Tuition: $550 per month
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:45 am – 12:30 pm
Tuition: $330 per month
Tuesday and Thursday
8:45 am – 12:30 pm
Tuition: $220 per month
A $250 Registration Fee is required at the time of enrollment to secure a place for your child. The first month’s tuition is due 9/1/2019.
Click here to receive more information.
To arrange a visit contact:
Bernardine Somers, Director
Morgan Academy
3988 Kearneysville Pike
Shepherdstown WV 25443
304-876-2004
[email protected]
About the TeacherMelanie Zajicek is originally from the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Early Childhood. Melanie has spent the last 16 years as a preschool teacher, a nanny, and a mother. For ten years, Melanie owned and operated Child’s Play, Inc., a developmental early education program for children. Melanie believes that each child is unique and strives to meet the individual needs of each child. Melanie has taught history at Morgan Academy for the last two years. She looks forward to teaching preschool and continuing to share her love of history with the elementary and middle school students.
A Typical Morning at Morgan Academy Preschool
For Example, this is “M” Week…
Arrival/ Free Choice Time:
Snack Time:
Story Time/Group Time:
Art:
Music/Movement: