Sandy’s School uses a program we developed called the PAW Program and the PAW Plus Program. This program is designed to enhance and expand our curriculum. In this program, there are three segments that stand for the word PAW; project, activity, worksheet/wonder. In PAW and PAW Plus, different developmental and age appropriate skills are being used in different ways to adhere to the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. This curriculum will be completed in the classroom daily to ensure that children are reaching the greatest of their capabilities.
Infant
PROJECT
In this segment of the PAW Program, a project will be incorporated in the theme(s) of the day. Children will use their fine motor, sensory, and cognitive skills during this segment. A variety of materials will be used to develop their own pieces of art. Children will be able to explore and learn through the materials given.
ACTIVITY
In this segment of the PAW Program, a group activity will be incorporated during circle time relating to the theme(s) of the day. During this time, the teacher will lead an instructed activity using gross and cognitive skills while children learn through movement and socialization.
WONDER
The Wonder portion of the “W” is specifically developed for the infant age group. Instead of having a daily worksheet, infants will have the opportunity to discover the world around them corresponding with the theme of the day.
Toddler
PROJECT
In this segment of the PAW Program, a project will be incorporated in the theme(s) of the day. Children will use their fine motor, sensory, and cognitive skills during this segment. A variety of materials will be used to develop their own pieces of art. Children will be able to explore and learn through the materials given.
ACTIVITY
In this segment of the PAW Program, a group activity will be incorporated during circle time relating to the theme(s) of the day. During this time, the teacher will lead an instructed activity using gross and cognitive skills while children learn through movement and socialization.
WORKSHEET
In the last segment of the PAW Program, an age appropriate worksheet will be completed relating to the theme(s) of the day. The goal of this segment is to improve children’s tracing, writing, coloring, and drawing techniques using fine motor and cognitive skills.
Preschool/Pre-K
PROJECT
In this segment of the PAW Program, a project will be incorporated in the theme(s) of the day. Children will use their fine motor, sensory, and cognitive skills during this segment. A variety of materials will be used to develop their own pieces of art. Children will be able to explore and learn through the materials given.
ACTIVITY
In this segment of the PAW Program, a group activity will be incorporated during circle time relating to the theme(s) of the day. During this time, the teacher will lead an instructed activity using gross and cognitive skills while children learn through movement and socialization.
WORKSHEET
In the last segment of the PAW Program, an age appropriate worksheet will be completed relating to the theme(s) of the day. The goal of this segment is to improve children’s tracing, writing, coloring, and drawing techniques using fine motor and cognitive skills.
PAW Plus for Pre-Kindergarten
The PAW Plus Program is designed specifically for children that are attending kindergarten the following year. This program is a variation of the PAW Program while challenging children to reach higher goals. With PAW Plus, children work more independently with the guidance of their teacher using additional materials. This program continues to develop their individual strengths while also improving their other skills.
Learning Board
Children will be presented the PAW curriculum through their own Learning Boards. The boards are set up in 4 sections each having a different task. The sections are completed in order and have different variations of writing practice, a math activity, a project, basic reading skills, and letter and number recognition. In each section, there are visual cues on what materials they will need to complete each task. When completely finished with the Learning Board, other activities are prepared to complete.