Shining Light Learning and Child Care, Herndon

I am a well qualified, experienced, caring, and energetic teacher with over eleven years of experience. I believe that all children love learning and engaging with the world around them. When given a comprehensive learning experience with fun captivating topics, and multi sensory experiences, a child's love of learning is fostered. I strive to help each child reach their fullest potential by helping them discover and build upon their strengths by providing opportunities that allow children to move steadily though academic milestones. I empower children by satisfying their curiosity and love of learning and encouraging them to be their authentic selves. Every two weeks, the children will explore a new and exciting theme! Language and Literacy, Writing, Math, Science, Sensory, Art, Music, Construction, and Dramatic Play throughout the day will revolve around the biweekly theme. I use the Jack and Jilly Reading Program along with other tools to teach letter recognition, letter sounds, sight words, and reading skills. My teaching is very hands on and interactive. I believe the best way to learn something is by doing it! Every single activity children engage in during the day is very thought out and purposeful. A typical day at Shining Light Learning includes the following: * Free play time where children may choose from different centers put out that day * Outdoor and Movement time for children to develop gross motor skills * "Fine tune up time" where children work on fine motor skills * Interactive circle time where children learn about the calendar, holidays, people in history, and learn more in depth about the theme we are working on. Circle time will also include letter and number games and activities, life lessons, music and movement activities, and story time that is brought to life through story boxes, acting, and movement. * Learning time where children engage in academic activities that revolve around the theme. Children receive individual help and work on what they need to practice so that they may build upon their skills and knowledge at their own rate and develop and progress through academic milestones at a steady pace. * Snacks and meal times where a dining atmosphere is created. Children will practice family style dining by serving themselves, pouring milk from a child's size pitcher, passing food, and practicing proper dining etiquette. On some occasions, snacks and meals will include the theme that the children are learning about. Snacks and meal plans are developed around what fruits and vegetables are in season, the theme the children are working on, and follow the USDA's guidelines. * Library time where children may explore books and learn how to handle them properly as well as experience the different ways in which stories can be told. * Restful Relaxation when children may take a nap or relax with a quite activity * Special activity time that varies day to day and includes activities such as gardening, cooking, special games, and world travel lessons (just to name a few!) Shining Light Learning is special and unique because your child will receive the individual attention that they deserve and a learning program that is tailored to them. This one of a kind opportunity allows your child to move at their own pace. Doing so prevents the frustrations that can occur when a child feels they don't understand what is being taught as well as keeps children challenged so they don't become bored and can keep growing and pushing through academic milestones at their own rate! In addition to receiving individual instruction and guidance from a veteran teacher to help them prepare to enter school your child will also receive a keepsake portfolio that includes their art work, photos of your child throughout the year, and displays their steady growth and development over time!