On Our Own Learning Center

Overview of our Program

What is the “Whole Child”?

When we refer to the “whole child” we mean just that. All aspects which come together to make your child a unique and special person are the whole child. Our programs appeal to all of these aspects, the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual sides of a child. Children can learn from observing and participating in their environment and from themselves and the people and things that make up their environment.

How the “Whole Child” learns and grows at On Our Own:

SOCIALLY

Learning to get along with others and to share. Playing and working alone, in small groups, and with an entire group to follow instructions and adapt to a daily routine. To take turns, to exhibit self respect, to respect the rights of others, to cooperate, and to tackle the early lessons of life.

EMOTIONALLY

The goal of emotional development is the ability to deal with and adapt to situations and to emerge with positive self-esteem. The child learns to feel good about him/herself and to be un-threatened by new challenges. The child feels successful and experiences mastery. Free play time in our household corner or at the workbench encourages the child to express him/herself through role playing and dress-up. It is here that the child tests out his impressions of the world around him by imitating what he has seen and by trying out different means of expression.

INTELLECTUALLY

Through the developmentally appropriate activities, the child is encouraged to “learn by doing”. Basic skills are introduced with opportunity for expression and creativity. Pre-Reading activities incorporate letter recognition (the alphabet), language arts, listening skills, flannel board, dramatics, puppetry. A literature-based curriculum exposes the children to art and writing activities which incorporate sight words, big books, and child created books. Pre-Math activities involve the use of manipulatives, number recognition and writing, one-to-one correspondence, shapes, patterns, the calendar, cooking, graphing, matching, classifying, and sizing. Small Motor Skills are developed through art and creative activities, with painting, tracing, coloring, cutting, writing, patterning, lacing, buttoning and zippering, manipulation of table toys, and puzzles.

PHYSICALLY

The sun always shines on our indoor playroom! We have carefully planned a play area that brings the outdoors in. We encourage the inquisitiveness and the need for physical activity in the pre-school child. Large Motor Skills are continually developing as the child runs, tumbles, and climbs, builds with blocks, plays with balls and toys, and participates in music and movement activities. A once-a-week lesson at Accent on Dance Studio is provided in order to further meet the needs of the developing child.

We have an open door policy. You, the parent, are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your child’s progress with us at any time during the school year. We also welcome parent participation in our activities and would welcome any contributions you might offer. If you have a special talent, would like to share a custom or tradition with us, or if you would like to teach us something, please let us know. Parents are also always invited to any field trips we participate in…. We would love to have you join us!!!!!

Stop in or request more information. We have an On-going Open Enrollment.