ABOUT SMART LOVE KINDERGARTEN
We offer a developmentally appropriate Kindergarten program that is built around play—establishing a solid foundation for success in first grade and beyond. We emphasize project-based play in science, dramatic play, gardening, math and language arts as 5 and 6-year-olds develop socially and expand their world. This is widely considered the most effective way to incorporate the skills of Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science, Physical Health and Development, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and Social and Emotional Growth.
OUR APPROACH IN ACTION
Our approach is based on an understanding of the children in the classroom and is adapted accordingly. Instead of traditional drill and memorization activities, our teachers stimulate learning with play-based activities that are both fun and meaningful. Kindergarten play activities take place over an extended period of time. Whether we’re building the solar system, exploring music and performing, creating a garden, exploring art mediums or recreating an automobile—all of a child’s cognitive skills are enhanced and refined. As a result, children learn at their own pace, work collaboratively with their peers and think more creatively, enabling them to build the necessary skills to become confident and successful learners in elementary school.
OUR CURRICULUM - PREPARATION FOR FIRST GRADE AND BEYOND
By closely aligning the Illinois Early Learning Kindergarten Standards/Benchmarks to activities that are meaningful to children, we repeatedly and extensively cover the necessary learning skills. At this stage, children are excited to know the when, what, where, how and why of their expanding world. Teachers enthusiastically join in play while stimulating thinking and learning through reflection, wonder and problem-solving. Children then absorb a concrete understanding of the subject matter in a fun and natural way, while also retaining the joy and purpose of learning.