Caterpillars  Curriculum (Ages 2-4 Years)

 

Our Caterpillars curriculum builds on children's growing confidence, independence and desire to understand the world around them. Children are supported to become active learners who ask questions, make choices, solve problems and develop increasingly strong relationships with others.

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Our curriculum supports children to:

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• Develop their communication from short phrases into increasingly confident sentences

• Ask questions and take part in back and forth conversations

• Build confidence in expressing their needs, feelings and ideas

• Develop friendships and learn how to play alongside and with others

• Strengthen physical skills including running, climbing, balancing and coordination

• Develop pencil control and fine motor strength in preparation for early writing

• Explore early mathematics through counting, sorting, grouping, patterns, shape and size

• Develop a love of books, stories, songs and rhymes

• Use their imagination through role play, construction, art and creative experiences

• Develop greater independence with toileting, dressing, handwashing and mealtimes

• Learn about their community, nature and the world around them

 

Our practitioners extend children's learning through meaningful conversations, carefully chosen resources and purposeful experiences. Children are encouraged to think, investigate, experiment and problem solve, helping to build the foundations they will need as they progress towards preschool stage. 

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Preschool Learning Within Caterpillars

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For some of our children, Caterpillars will be their final room at Little Explorers before they begin their journey to school. Our Caterpillars room therefore works as an extension of our preschool provision, ensuring that children approaching school age have access to the same high expectations for learning, development and school readiness.

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As children grow and develop, our practitioners adapt and extend the curriculum to provide appropriate challenge based on each child's individual stage of development rather than simply their age or the room they attend.

 

For our preschool aged Caterpillars, this includes:

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• Developing confident conversation, listening and storytelling skills

• Building early literacy, including mark making, pencil control, recognising their name and developing awareness of letters and sounds

• Strengthening early mathematical skills, including counting, number recognition, patterns, shape and problem solving

• Developing independence and self-care, including toileting, dressing, mealtimes and managing personal belongings

• Supporting friendships, cooperative play, turn taking and empathy

• Building concentration, resilience and the confidence to have a go and keep trying

• Providing opportunities for investigation, creativity, imaginative play and problem solving

• Supporting children to understand routines, expectations and increasing responsibility

• Preparing children emotionally and practically for a confident transition to school

 

Our Caterpillars and Butterflies curriculum complement one another, allowing us to provide a strong and consistent preschool experience across both rooms.

 

Whichever room a child completes their Little Explorers journey in, they will be supported with the skills, confidence and independence they need for their next adventure at school.