Explorers Program
Ages 4 and 5

The VCA Explorers enter an engaging classroom that introduces them to structured learning while allowing for generous play, both in the classroom and outdoors.  Classroom lessons are themed each week and center on literacy-based activities designed to foster children’s wonder and curiosity for God’s world.  Students begin to build basic number sense through discovery-based math lessons and engage in co-curricular classes such as art, music, and PE, and partner with older students for nature walks and story time.  The Explorers class is designed to develop students in the following areas:

Cognitive 

• Upper and lowercase letter recognition

• Identification of beginning sounds in words

• Rhyming

• Rote count to 100

• Identification of numbers up to 20

• Sort by color, shape, and size

• Create and extend patterns

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Cognitive skills are developed through memory games, integrated movement with music and poetry, manipulatives, phonemic awareness training, and focused phonics and math instruction.

Emotional

• Develop friendships

• Communicate feelings appropriately

• Understand the emotions of others

• Regulate overwhelming emotions

Emotional awareness is fostered through modeled behavior, acknowledgment of emotions, coaching in emotional awareness, social stories, and a consistent routine and schedule that fosters security.

Social 

• Follow multi-step directions

• Communicate needs and wants effectively

• Play with others appropriately

• Speak with confidence 

• Ask for help when needed

Social skills are developed through guided learning, narration, recitation, and both large and small group games that facilitate turn-taking, understanding rules, and conflict resolution.

Physical

• Dress themselves independently

• Use writing utensils with proper pencil grip

• Sit correctly in various spaces

• Maintain personal boundaries

Development of motor skills fosters physical development.  Cutting, lacing, and tracing build fine motor skills while gross motor skills develop through frequent recess play, jumping, throwing, skipping, etc.

Spiritual 

• Exposure and reinforcement of God’s truths

• Growth and understanding of God’s love for us

• Appreciation for all of God’s creation

Students are nurtured spiritually through daily reading from children’s Bible storybook, Bible songs and crafts, emphasis on the Fruits of the Spirit, nature study, and intentional training in habits and character.