The Iguana class is the oldest class of children here at Little Trotters with students ranging in age from 3 ½ through 4 ½ years old. Being in the Iguana class is a big deal to our little ones. They will be developing skills needed for “big school” while having fun, playing with their friends, and participating in a wide variety of activities.
Following the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework, the children develop their love of learning through free play, gardening, baking, yoga, water play, arts and crafts, movement and sensory activities, circle time with the whole class, and small group lessons that are tailored to their individual needs. They will also help take care of our farm yard animals and vegetable garden. We further prepare our children for Kindergarten through the use of weekly themes, daily literacy and maths instruction.
As we move through the school year, the children explore many themes such as the Human Body, Recycling, Van Gogh and Space. They will learn about these topics through the use of hands on activities, dramatic role play, games, stories, songs and lots of interaction. The environment is constantly updated and revisited to support the children in all areas of their development. There is always a sense of excitement and wonder as children explore each new topic.
Your child will participate in literacy lessons, both large and small group work, frequently during each week. Basic literacy skills are taught through the use of Jolly Phonics. (This program is utilized within the British National Curriculum.) Jolly Phonics teaches young children their letter sounds through the use of songs and hand movements. Each week we focus on a different letter sound or pre literacy skill.
Math lessons are taught in both large and small groups. Math skills are developed through the use of songs, stories, and hands on activities. While in the Iguana class your child will learn basic calendar concepts, how to create simple patterns, various counting strategies, their colours, shapes, and how to recognize and write their numbers up to 10.