Theophany School Curriculum

Theophany School fosters the intellectual, moral, and social development of our students by engaging their minds, nurturing their spirits, and enriching their God-given gifts and talents through the teachings and life of the Holy Orthodox Christian Church.

 Creating a Learning Community:

A multiage classroom is a place where the child is the center of the curriculum.  The curriculum is developmentally appropriate for all children and meets their developing skills, as each child is a unique individual.  A multiage classroom containing developmentally appropriate practices will include active learning, varied instructional practices, a balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities, integrated curriculum and learning centers.  In a multiage classroom there is an absence of “grade levels” so that opportunities exist for each child to interact with a larger variety of children, their personalities, abilities, interests and materials.  In a multiage classroom, children develop a sense of caring and understanding as they help each other learn.  The nature of the classroom encourages a lot of interaction and talking between the children and   the teachers.  When children are helping and supporting each other and drawing on their own strengths they learn to respect individual differences.  The security of the classroom as a community of learners empowers each child to see how successful s/he can be and, therefore, increases self-esteem.  

Program Goals for Children:      

• Provide a balance of activites and curriculum that promote academic, social/emotional, and spiritual development for all children.
• Provide a thematic-based curriculum that focuses on units that hold meaning for children.
• Encourage children to "use their words" to express their feelings and thoughts with peers and teachers.
• Provide for intellectual growth by introducing new ideas and child-directed learning.       
• Provide time for children to learn a system of order that encourages cooperation. (A schedule provides uninterrupted time, sets limits, and gives children freedom to explore.)        
• Encourage children to express ideas through language and symbolic play using a wide variety of materials.  (Dramatic play helps children with the process of “decentering,” being able to see someone else’s point of view.  Social skill development is encouraged.)     
• Help children cope with fears constructively, and to feel secure in relationships with other children and adults.
  
• Provide for physical development through planned activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Help the child develop coordination and an awareness of space, as well as build muscle strength and agility.