Circle of Friends Early Learning Center in Flushing added a SMART board in the fall to enhance daily curriculum and introduce new methods of learning.
The SMART board allows children to interactively practice writing, colors, shapes, and more. Staff use the large, electronic visual for Internet tutorials and occasional movie late afternoons. On Dec. 19 students of the Christian learning center will watch The Polar Express, which they can enjoy in their pajamas while enjoying chocolate milk and cookies.
Circle of Friends is committed to providing a loving, Christian environment to help preschoolers develop through hands-on, Christ-centered curriculum that combines learning and play every day. The eight-person staff, many of whom are church members, includes certified teachers and a volunteer with more than 227 years of combined experience teaching children. The school is a sub-ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Flushing.
Circle of Friends is a close-knit community in a one-room schoolhouse. Classes are mixed with children ages 2-5, allowing younger students to learn from older ones. Each teacher has a specific strength that they focus extra on. Students learn social skills, music, math, writing, science, art, reading, and much more.
“We prepare our students for future learning as much as possible but also make sure they develop a love for learning,” says Circle of Friends director and teacher Ms. Kathleen.
Classes have taken various field trips to locations such as the local fire station, during which students learned about fire safety; and the sugar cookie factory across the street.
Schedule options are flexible at Circle of Friends to accommodate to the varying lifestyles of different families. Students can attend class from 8am-12:30pm, 8am-2:30pm, 8am-6pm. Some students attend classes two days a week, while others vary from three to all five days a week that classes are offered.
RELATED: Get Area Activities in Your Inbox
Main image: Children engage with Circle of Friends Early Learning Center’s new SMART board.
Courtesy Circle of Friends Early Learning Center
