Curriculum
Letter From the Curriculum Coordinator:
Dear Parents,
My name is Sonja Schlank. I may be a familiar face, as I have been teaching Kinder Kollege and Preschool classes at Anna's Bananas since 2008. I absoultly love being the Curriculum Coordinator for all three locations of Anna’s Bananas Daycare and Preschool Centers!
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for choosing Anna's Bananas Licensed Daycare & Preschool Center for your little scholar or scholars! Our developmentally appropriate educational programs provide children ages 6-weeks-old though 12-years-old with endless learning opportunities.
In the Infant Program, our littlest ones flourish in a loving and nurturing environment with all the comforts of home, and the attention of our devoted staff. Throughout their learning experience, they will be introduced to lots of sensory stimulation, songs, nursery rhymes, sign language, and shelves full of engaging toys which are ready for exploration!
Our Toddler, Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kinder Kollege Academy Programs provide children with a well-rounded curriculum including engaging hands-on math, science, reading/phonics, and writing activities to promote your little scholar’s intellectual growth and kindergarten readiness!
By extending our Kindergarteners’ learning time into the morning and afternoon, we provide an enriched educational program with interactive math, science, reading, writing, and art activities. Our school-age classroom provides a social and playful environment that builds friendships and encourages interpersonal skills!
To tell you a little about my educational background, I earned my Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education K-6 with a Specialty in Early Childhood Education. Through my education and career I have worked with children 6 weeks through 12 years of age. With my education and past experience of working with children, I am eager to positively foster your child’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development as they grow with the Anna’s Bananas family.
Respectfully,
Sonja K. Schlank– Curriculum Coordinator
About Our Curriculum:
Anna's Bananas Daycare & Preschool offers an enriched curriculum created by national leading educational publishers, including Zaner-Bloser Language Arts and Reading Company© and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt School Publisher©. Our curriculum is based on scientific research and provides our preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten students with the foundational skills they need to succeed in today’s classrooms. Because our curriculum is aligned with local elementary schools and state standards, we have created an innovative bridge for our students to cross from preschool to kindergarten. Our well-rounded educational program promotes your little scholar’s intellectual growth and kindergarten readiness through several subjects, including:
Language Arts - Anna’s Bananas uses Houghton Mifflin Pre-K© and Alphafriends Letters and Language© programs to allow students to experience letters and sounds through engaging alphabet characters and fun educational songs. The Zaner-Bloser Handwriting© program introduces students to step-by-step basic strokes used to form all the uppercase and lowercase letters. These balanced literacy programs, along with daily read-aloud books, support your child’s learning in letter identification, phonemic awareness, rhyming, writing, reading, spelling, speech, and listening.
Mathematics - Through the Houghton Mifflin Pre-K© and Math Expressions© programs, our students are able to practice mathematical ideas and relate them to daily experiences. These hands-on math activities promote learning in mathematical concepts such as number operations, colors, shapes, patterns, and money.
Science and Health - The Houghton Mifflin Pre-K© science curriculum stimulates curiosity and encourages students to explore science in various environments. By having an inquiry-based approach to teaching science, students are engaged and involved in hands-on science and health activities.
Social Studies - Anna’s Bananas helps students begin to understand the foundation of social studies through age-appropriate history, geography, government, and economic activities. The Houghton Mifflin Pre-K© social studies curriculum encourages students to develop their interpersonal skills by learning about themselves, their families, community, and globe.
Visual Arts - Our art studio is a fun atmosphere, where students can practice their fine motor skills and express their creativity. Students are encouraged to explore our wide varieties of mediums and techniques as they create art projects. Because students show great pride in their work, teachers regularly put student’s crafts on display!
American Sign Language (ASL) - Our ASL curriculum is designed so that children, ages 6-weeks through 12-years-old, can experience success and build up self-confidence by learning a new language!
Spanish - The Futura Spanish Program introduces the Spanish language and culture to children through songs, games, stories, and puppets! Futura Language Professionals will aid your child in building basic conversation skills and acquiring age appropriate vocabulary. See your center director for more information and registration.
Music - Students are encouraged to sing, play instruments, and move to music during circle time and daily activities. Students also have the opportunity to participate in Kiddy Keys© music program. Kiddy Keys© is a highly educational program that focuses on teaching piano concepts and music appreciation. This program also reinforces and develops students’ listening skills, verbal skills, hand-eye coordination, and much, much more. See your center director for more information and registration.
Technology - The GitsSmart computer program is designed to teach students developmentally appropriate computer skills and allows them to navigate educational computer programs. Computer skills that will be focused on: Computer care, Terminology, Graphics, Digital Camera, Word Processing, Windows, Keyboarding, Printing, Microphone, and Sound Recording. See your center director for more information & registration.
Physical Education - To support your child’s large motor development and kinesthetic learning, Anna’s Bananas Daycare and Preschool facilities include gymnasiums, a dance studio, and playgrounds where children can explore and exercise their imagination and through discovery!
Along with daily gym and outside play activities, students may also choose to partake in The little DANCE STUDIO dance classes. Our little dancers enjoy learning dance steps, dressing in costume, and performing at our annual Little Dance Studio Recital. See your center director for more information & registration.
With accredited resources, highly skilled teaching staff, and a safe environment, you can be assured your child will be part of an exceptional, well-rounded educational program!
WELCOME TO ANNA'S BANANAS - WHERE YOUR FAMILY IS OUR FAMILY