Curriculum
Lamb of God views children and families as a special gift, given by God. The purpose of the Early Childhood Ministry is to provide a Christian, early childhood setting in which two, three, four and five year-olds can grow, learn, and develop as God’s children spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Children learn best by actively participating in meaningful hands-on activities that take into account their existing knowledge. Children develop and achieve different levels of readiness in different content area, based on their particular experiences. An important component of these learning experiences is regular interaction with knowledgeable adults who can bridge the gap between the child’s existing knowledge and skill level and those towards which they are striving to achieve.
A specific, explicit sequence of skills and knowledge, like the Core Knowledge Preschool Sequence, allows teachers, parents, and other caregivers to guide a young child’s development. By using this sequence as a tool, we are able to address each child’s individual competencies, while providing the stepping stones to higher levels of learning. The child’s current knowledge and skill level becomes the starting point in planning new experiences and instruction.
The two-year-old program is center based, allowing hands-on learning as children are exposed to colors, shapes and the alphabet. Quiet activities alternate with active activities. There are individual, small group and large group times. Resources from High Reach may be used, in addition to basic Level 1 Core Knowledge activities and other teacher-selected resources. Little Lambs from CPH is the religious curriculum used at this level.
Three-year-old classrooms are also center based and incorporate many Level 1 Core Knowledge Preschool Activities, to provide a solid foundation for later learning. These activities are in the areas of movement, language, math, science and Spanish. Art activities are open-ended, allowing children to learn through the process of creating. Centers include but are not limited to Worship, Art, Writing, Blocks, Manipulatives, Home Life, Dramatic Play, Sensory table, Science and Computer Center. There are individual, small group and large group times throughout the day. Voyages from CPH is the religious curriculum used at this level.
The Pre Kindergarten program introduces Level II Core Knowledge activities in the areas of movement, language, math, science and Spanish to provide a solid foundation for Kindergarten. Math centers use ideas from Merry Making with Math to allow children hands on activities in counting, comparing, sorting and measuring. Daily activities to develop language and literacy include stories and classroom charts. D’Nealian handwriting is introduced and is consistent with the Lewisville Independent School District. There are individual, small group and large group times. Voyages from CPH is the religious curriculum used at this level.
The Jr. Kindergarten program continues to reinforce level II core Knowledge skills in the areas of movement, language, math, science and Spanish. Resources from Core Knowledge, A-Beka, HBJ, Leapfrog, CPH, Scholastic and Weekly Reader are some of the resources used to provide a variety of early literacy opportunities. Mathematics Their Way resources are also used for class instruction. D’Nealian handwriting is introduced and is consistent with the Lewisville Independent School District. There are individual, small and large group times. Voyages from CPH is the religious curriculum used at this level.
The Kindergarten program incorporates the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and Kindergarten Level CORE Knowledge Skills lists to help provide teacher guided learning opportunities in the areas of History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, Religion and Fine Arts. This curriculum is part of a balanced literacy approach and is consistent with Lewisville Independent District. Some of the many resources used to support the TEKS and CORE skills introduced at Lamb of God are Harcourt "Collections" Language Arts Program, "Mathematics their Way" resources, DRA Leveled Reading materials, Dolce Sight Word lists, "Type to Learn" Keyboarding program, scientific experimentation, Spanish, and Voyages religious curriculum from Concordia Publishing House.
The general goals of Christian education at Lamb of God Early Childhood Ministry are:
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To help children experience and learn about God’s love through Jesus Christ.
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To provide an environment that supports the growth of the whole child in developmentally appropriate ways.
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To encourage children to acquire self-esteem, concern for others, a sense of community and a spirit of sharing.
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To foster creativity, exploration, self-discipline and a love of learning.
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To encourage and assist parents in guiding the development of their children.
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To encourage the spiritual development of the entire family in this or other local congregations.
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To establish strong foundations of knowledge.
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To encourage cooperative play and social development