“How Does Learning Happen?” (HDLH)

Foundation # 1 - BELONGING

Foundation # 2 - WELL-BEING

Foundation # 3 - ENGAGEMENT

Foundation # 4 EXPRESSION

Foundation # 1 - BELONGING

Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world

To cultivate a warm, caring and inclusive environment for all. Being aware of the physical and emotional state of children and being responsive in a sensitive way. To build relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.
To provide regular and ongoing communication with parents and guardians is an important component of each day.
We view the community as a valuable resource and our educators plan learning opportunities to engage the community in our programs. We seek out opportunities to share our knowledge and to learn from others in the community.

Foundation # 2 - WELL-BEING

Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being

The health, safety, nutritional needs and well being of children are very important and we know are foundational to children’s ability to learn. We have rigorous policies in place around health and safety practices and these are reviewed by all educators and staff on a regular basis
Each child will experience indoor, and two hours of outdoor play (weather permitting) daily, as well as a time to rest and sleep if needed, quiet and active times, always being mindful of each child’s needs and parental direction.

Foundation # 3 - ENGAGEMENT

Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses

Our play and inquiry based programs provide optimal conditions to engage and encourage each child’s natural curiosity; Our educators make purposeful additions to the learning environment by engaging, observing and learning with the children through questions, curiosities and theories they may have
To foster learning by engaging with and observing children to make additions to the environment which coincide with their inquiry
To engage each child by providing an inclusive learning environment in which they are able to participate to the best of their abilities
FUN School requires all staff members to complete eight hours of professional development as members of the Raising the Bar in Peel Program. We also encourage educators to engage in discussion about pedagogy and practice and to take time for critical reflection
Strategies are documented and reviewed for impact on the children and their families

Foundation # 4 EXPRESSION

Purpose/Goals of Activities and Centres

Develops language and listening skills
Enhances attention span
Helps children learn social skills and consideration for others in a controlled setting
Children learn not to interrupt
Children share thoughts, feelings and experiences
Develops visual awareness and discrimination
Develops auditory awareness and discrimination
Develops rhythm, rhyme and musical appreciation through use of instruments
Develops pre-reading skills
Develops ability to learn new concepts in a group setting

Develops eye-hand co-ordination
Develops classification of colours, shapes, sizes, etc.
Develops attention span
Provides ability to work on and complete an activity
Develops fine muscle development and co-ordination including pincer grasp
Develops perceptual skills, pre-reading skills through classification, matching skills, etc.
Teaches concepts including: largest to smallest, longest to shortest, wide to narrow, over, under, around, behind, etc.