Going to preschool is a big step for your child. When you decide to enroll your child in a VPK program, you want to make sure that they are enrolled in a program with a rich curriculum that meets their needs and will help them reach their full potential. A literature-based preschool curriculum may be the perfect fit for your child.
What is a Literature-Based Curriculum?
A literature-based curriculum uses books as the main tool to build literacy in young children. This unique approach to learning has a number of benefits for preschoolers. It exposes children to an abundance of new vocabulary and helps them understand how words are used in context. It also exposes them to different people, places, and ways of thinking which helps children develop empathy as well as an appreciation for literature.
In a literature-based curriculum, teachers and children discuss what is read. Children are encouraged to think about what they read and share their thoughts and opinions. Teachers plan different units and select books they use to teach about the topic. For example, when teaching a unit about animals and insects, children might read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In addition to teaching about the life cycle of a caterpillar, the book also covers counting, days of the week, and foods. Response activities and group discussions help ensure that children understand what they are reading.
A Literature-Based Curriculum Inspires Imagination
The variety of exciting books that are explored as part of the curriculum keep children engaged and build their attention span. By taking turns reading aloud, they improve their pronunciation. They learn how to analyze and better understand a piece of writing. Books inspire children to use their imagination to visualize what they are reading about or the story they are listening to. “A literature-based curriculum guides children towards becoming better readers, writers, and thinkers.” (Source)
At Dairy Road Discovery Center in West Brevard, Florida we have a “learning by doing” philosophy as a foundation for reading. By integrating daily reading several times a day into our curriculum we encourage future readers to engage with books early. Contact us to learn more about our literature based curriculum and other programs.
Related article: What Are the Main Benefits of Preschool Programs?