The Whole Child Approach and the Importance of Teaching Art

A Preschool Learning Center in Circa highlights seven benefits art offers for child development.

A foundational principle at Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy is “Hug First, Then Teach.” Unlike many daycare centers or childcare providers, this methodology is a whole-child approach that works to strengthen and encourage every child’s emotional, intellectual, social, and physical well-being. The whole-child approach is present in all the curriculum at Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, including STEAM studies.

Most people are familiar with STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. However, there is also a hybrid movement that is gaining more and more traction: STEAM. STEAM is an abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. The STEAM movement works towards more effectively sparking the imagination of the student. As a result, the movement is helping shift children’s focus towards innovation through hands-on STEM projects.

STEM or STEAM

The main difference between STEM and STEAM is that STEM encompasses a modern approach to science and related subjects. STEM concentrates on problem-solving with critical thinking and analytical skills. STEAM education explores the same topics but incorporates creative thinking and applied arts into teaching and real situations. This brilliant addition enriches educational pursuits.

Art involves discovering and creating interesting and ingenious ways of problem-solving, integrating principles, and presenting information. By adding the element of art to STEM-based thinking, children and students can employ both sides of their brain —analytical and creative— to become the best thinkers of the future. The STEAM paradigm shapes young minds to be problem solvers with a creative, innovative flair.

Moving from STEM to STEAM

Some critics are concerned that studying the arts would take time away from focusing on traditional STEM subjects. It is true that mastery of STEM concepts is necessary for technological progress. However, the inclusion of the “A” for arts is essential for students to achieve their full potential. Studying the arts provides students with the freedom and opportunity to fully harness the capabilities of STEM subjects.

The arts is a term that encompasses the liberal arts, language arts (reading, writing, and speaking), social studies, physical arts, fine arts, and music. STEAM education focuses on applying creative thinking to STEM projects in order to ignite youthful imagination and creativity through the arts. The approach seeks to explore how art elevates and amplifies the STEM subjects. Studying art subjects strengthens the development of essential skills like collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Art also improves a student’s flexibility, adaptability, productivity, responsibility, and innovation. These skills are essential for a successful career in any field of study and for life in general.

Science and art go hand-in-hand

At first glance, it seems that scientists and artists have little in common. If people dig a little deeper, they soon realize that art and science are not so different. While science has changed the creative fields through advanced technology, artists offer new insights and perspectives that impact scientific progress. Art’s contribution to technological advancement is all too often overlooked or ignored. With technology becoming faster, smaller, and more complex, the scientific field has started to rely on the arts more than ever for solutions and creative ideas.

As the STEAM paradigm is adopted in classrooms and other learning environments, new teaching methods have emerged. Teachers can add arts into STEM by applying graphics to projects, or they can use the performing arts to communicate a STEM project. The possibilities are vast. By encouraging students to use their artistic talents to generate innovative thinking, teachers allow art to become a powerful catalyst that excites learning.

About Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa FishHawk

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy is a Circa FishHawk, FL preschool that is widely recognized for its positive use of concepts and innovative projects, activities, and toys that grow the child along many dimensions. Children are exposed to hands-on learning, and they are challenged and encouraged to think critically and creatively. They have the freedom to apply essential content knowledge in meaningful and fun ways. For more information about the educational preschool, contact Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa FishHawk at (813) 654-7000

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First Published on: Blog – Circa Fishhawk https://kidsrkids.com/circa-fishhawk/preschool/the-whole-child-approach-and-the-importance-of-teaching-art/

Circa Preschool Shares How to Settle in Your Own Routine as a Parent

Parents Were Provided Tips by Circa/Fishhawk Preschool on How to Get Settled with Their Routine for Their Preschoolers

If your child started pre-school this year, there’s a good chance that you’re struggling to adapt to the change, especially if, up until now, you’ve been at home with your child. Here are some things to keep in mind if the transition hasn’t been smooth, and you’re still in the process of adapting to the new normal.

1. Preschool parents should recognize their child’s anxiety and focus on turning it into excitement

It’s completely natural to worry about how your child will fit in, whether they’ll make friends and if they’ll enjoy the learning environment. Instead of trying to turn off those worries, transition them into excitement. Think about your role as your child’s parent in helping them navigate this new season. 

 

2. Parents should not forget that their preschoolers still need them

You are your child’s rock as they settle into a routine and get used to the preschool environment. You’re there to support them and help them to feel comfortable with the change, which means keeping your own emotions to yourself. Keep the conversation around preschool positive and upbeat and, as they become accustomed to going to school, ask them about their day, focusing on the positive; and use this as inspiration for staying happy. 

 

3. Preschool parents should keep themselves occupied

It can be easy to dwell on worrying about your child, especially when they’ve kept you on your toes for the last couple of years. You’ll still feel your child’s absence, but rather than waiting for the school day to end, it’s important to keep busy. Take up a new hobby, get back into the exercise routine you’ve been meaning to restart, make lists of tasks that need doing around the house (and then do them), get the shopping done, or prepare meals in advance. And stop checking your phone – it’s not going to take the time pass more quickly, and it’s likely to make you feel even worse, especially if you spend your time scrolling through your social media accounts.

 

4. Parents of Preschoolers should go easy on themselves 

Don’t judge your parenting and try not to judge your emotions. What you’re feeling, whatever it is, is completely normal – even if you’re feeling really sad that your child is growing up, or worried about whether they’re making friends. By accepting your emotions as they are, without trying to mold yourself into something different, you reduce the power that they have over you and make it easier to move on. 

 

5. Parents should focus on self-care for their preschooler

For the last three or four years (at least), you’ve focused all your time and energy on your child. But they’re no longer a baby and, for them to develop properly, they need to start exploring the world outside of their home. This gives you more personal time to catch up on things that have been neglected for a couple of years, and you now have the space to take care of yourself as well. There’s more time to focus on what makes you happy, and you have the freedom to explore different parts of yourself other than being a mother.

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa / FishHawk is fully accredited, offering the ultimate foundation for young children. They provide effective educational programs and industry-leading innovative facilities for children from the age of six weeks through to twelve years of age. 

They believe in working with parents to bring out the best in children and encourage a parent-teacher approach, which prioritizes the needs of every child. The educational environment is secure and nurturing, where children can learn and progress at their own pace.

The post Circa Preschool Shares How to Settle in Your Own Routine as a Parent appeared first on Circa Fishhawk.

First Published on: Blog – Circa Fishhawk https://kidsrkids.com/circa-fishhawk/preschool/circa-preschool-shares-how-to-settle-in-your-own-routine-as-a-parent/

How Pre-K Age Children Learn Through Play

Play is one of the most often overlooked, yet critical, parts of childhood learning that should remain a priority as research and experience show the importance of play. Local educational preschool, Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa / FishHawk shares on the science of play, why it’s important, and how the classroom environment can be set up to maximize this opportunity.

The Science Behind Play-Based Learning

Play as a tool for learning has been shown to have a profound, long-lasting impact of the development and learning of students. This is because children learn well when they are mentally stimulated and engaged in a social environment where there are meaningful connection and interaction with the subject matter. Neuroscientists have found that play activates the brain in ways that other teaching techniques are not.

In general, people of all ages tend to learn well when they take an active role in the learning environment, are engaged with meaningful information and interact during the learning experience with others. Play-based learning in a pre-k environment facilitates these requirements. 

Additionally, play is an essential component of development for children offering a source of fun and social interaction as well as facilitating the emergence and strengthening of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional abilities. Children tend to test out newly acquired knowledge and ideas in the context of play, re-enacting scenarios to further solidify their understanding. It’s also how children tell stories, negotiate with others, and problem-solve.

Just Because It’s Play-Based, Doesn’t Mean It’s Not Real

Previous generations of thought-leaders were quick to dismiss the benefits of play, deeming it a frivolous waste of classroom time. But, more and more, teachers are learning that it is critical for the development of children. It fosters and promotes creativity and, when done right, can be more impactful than traditional teaching methodologies.

Purposeful play can be constructed and guided by a teacher to create deeper learning experiences that a child will be more likely to remember and internalize. The key is the creative development of hands-on learning activities that have intentionality behind them. So, while there is certainly a place for worksheets that showcase a child’s learning, there should be space for a less rigid approach.

At the kindergarten level, when children are playing, they are doing their deepest learning which is much more effective than having children fill out worksheets.

A Classroom Environment That Contributes to Learning

Play-based learning utilizes the classroom in the teaching process, where the teacher becomes the guide. Each activity and object in the learning space has a specific purpose, will contribute to the process and will help facilitate a deeper learning experience for each child. To this end, there will often be different areas that facilitate art, science, reading and more. In this environment there is space for children to ask questions, learn through conversation, and solidify understanding of different, interrelated concepts.

 

Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Circa / FishHawk offers a diverse, rich learning environment for children from the age of six weeks through to four years old. For children who attend local elementary school and are between the ages of five and twelve, they also offer before and after school programs through to the fifth grade.

They understand the importance of play in allowing children to use their innate creativity and curiosity, focusing on developing their imagination, as well as their physical and emotional strength. They aim to create a space for children to learn to work with others, sharing and negotiating, and resolving conflict, as well as learning self-advocacy skills. 

At Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, the needs of each child are put first, and family involvement and a parent-teacher approach is encouraged.

The post How Pre-K Age Children Learn Through Play appeared first on Circa Fishhawk.

First Published on: Blog – Circa Fishhawk https://kidsrkids.com/circa-fishhawk/pre-k/how-pre-k-age-children-learn-through-play/

How to Choose an After-School Program

What Do Children Learn at Preschool?

Two Important Questions to Ask If You’re Considering a Summer Camp in Circa / FishHawk for Your Pre-K Child

Identifying Important Focus Areas for After-School Programs in Circa FishHawk FL