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COMPUTER
PROGRAM
The ESDC
Computer Program was conceived as a respond to the increasing role
of computers in today's world. Our Computer Program aims
to increase the quality of computer use by children, by emphasizing that the
computer is not only a source of entertainment, but more so, an abundant
source of information, and a tool to help in their learning.
Computer
education starts with children 2 1/2 and reinforced all the way up to 6
years of age. The ESDC Computer Curricula seeks to
support the children's daily learning in their regular classrooms. The
curricula includes 50% technology objectives and 50% classroom support
objectives. New themes are introduced every month to emphasize certain
technology objectives and/or classroom objectives. For example, to introduce
the multimedia aspect of the computer, we have the theme: ES
Multimedia Directors where the children come up with their own
videos that we later email to their parents. To reinforce the
children's math concepts, we have a theme called ES Number
Busters! where they engage in "math mysteries" to solve in Spectacle
City!
Children 2 1/2
years old (Preschool Program) has computer class twice a week, for 30
minutes. Children 3 to 4 years of age (Pre K 1 & 2 Programs)
has it for thrice a week, also for 30 minutes. Children who are 5 to 6
years old (Kindergarten Program) goes to computer class four times a
week, also for 30 minutes. It would be interesting to note that only
the Kindergartners have internet as part of their curriculum.
MUSIC
Our Music Class is
provided for by The Music Preludes®.
The Music
Preludes® Curricula is composed of individual lessons presented
on various age-related levels, including Infant (6 weeks to
12 months), Toddler (12 to 24 months), Mini (2-year
olds), Introductory Level (3-year olds), Level I (4- &
5-year olds), and Level II (Kindergarten/1st Grade students).
Each level is designed to function both independently and as a step
along a learning continuum, as essential music concepts are
introduced within each level, and each level includes new and
interesting material appropriate for the child’s developmental age
and sophistication. Therefore, children obtain the benefits of an
on-going learning process regardless of the level in which they join
the program, and children who experience the various levels
continuously are simply provided with a more comprehensive musical
and educational experience.
Children learn concepts such as Tempo (fast and slow), Dynamics
(loud and soft), Pitch (high and low), Music Appreciation
(emphasis on Haydn’s “Toy Symphony” & “Surprise Symphony,” Vivaldi’s
“Four Seasons,” multicultural genres, et al.), Creative Movement
and Multi-Cultural Songs, Dances, and Activities (introduction
to traditional folk music and games from around the world) along
with an introduction to various types of Percussion Instruments.
Through active participation in our innovatively designed readiness
games (including Follow the Leader, Music Bingo, Grab Bag Game, Go
Fish, and the Rhythm Box Game), we introduce Keyboard Vocabulary to
our Level I students and Music Notation to our Level II students.
The Music Preludes® Curricula is currently implemented
in over one-hundred preschools throughout the state of New Jersey
and Westchester, NY. It is facilitated in each school by one of
our music specialists who teaches the program to groups of
8-10 children for a one half-hour session each week. |
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