Nurturing Hearts and Minds at Leonardo

At Leonardo, we believe in nurturing the minds but also the hearts of your little ones. Let’s explore how our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, integrated into our Montessori-inspired Pre-K curriculum, creates a safe and nurturing environment for our students. As caring parents living in New Jersey and working in the vibrant city of New York, you understand the importance of providing your children with a holistic preschool education. Social and emotional skills are essential for their overall development and future success. So let’s explore how our little ones learn to understand and manage emotions, cultivate caring relationships, and resolve conflicts with empathy and respect.

Expertise in Positive Discipline

At Leonardo, our team of teachers is committed to utilizing positive discipline strategies that promote a supportive and respectful learning environment. They have attended a comprehensive course on Positive Discipline and received coaching from a certified professional in this field. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills to guide children in developing self-discipline, problem-solving abilities, and healthy emotional regulation.

With this expertise, our teachers create an atmosphere where children learn to navigate challenges, express their emotions constructively, and develop a strong sense of responsibility. Positive Discipline encourages cooperation, effective communication, and mutual respect among our little learners, fostering a harmonious and inclusive preschool experience.

Learning Through Play

In our preschool, we believe that learning should be an exciting adventure filled with joy and discovery. Our SEL program is seamlessly woven into engaging and interactive activities, allowing our children to develop social and emotional skills naturally through play. Some examples include:

1. Emotion Recognition: Through storytelling, role-playing, and puppetry, our little ones learn to identify and express their emotions, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
2. Cooperative Games: Engaging in team-building activities and collaborative play helps them develop essential interpersonal skills such as communication, cooperation, and problem-solving.
3. Conflict Resolution: We provide opportunities for our children to practice resolving conflicts peacefully by encouraging active listening, perspective-taking, and finding mutually agreeable solutions.

Cultivating Caring Relationships

Building positive and caring relationships is at the heart of our preschool program. Here’s how we foster this essential skill:

1. Responsive Educators: Our team of dedicated teachers serves as role models, providing a nurturing and supportive environment where our children feel safe to express themselves and build trusting relationships.
2. Peer Interaction: Through group activities, projects, and free play, our little ones learn to interact with their peers, developing empathy, respect, and cooperation.
3. Circle Time: Regular circle time sessions encourage open communication, active listening, and turn-taking, fostering a sense of belonging and a supportive classroom community.

At Leonardo, we wholeheartedly embrace the power of social and emotional learning. Our SEL program, integrated into our engaging curriculum, prepares our children for a smooth transition to kindergarten and equips them with lifelong skills. Through play-based activities, nurturing relationships, and the application of positive discipline strategies, we create a safe and loving environment where our little ones can grow and thrive. Together, let’s build a solid foundation for future success!

Bilingual Brilliance: Learning Spanish or French in Our Preschool

Preschool plays a vital role in early childhood development, and introducing foreign languages at this stage can have numerous advantages! In this article, let’s explore how our immersive language programs, combined with our Montessori-inspired Pre-K curriculum, create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can develop language skills, cultural awareness, and a solid foundation for future learning.

First, let’s discover how our school made Cinco de Mayo an integrated part of our world language curriculum.

Embracing the immersive experience of Cinco de Mayo

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo at Leonardo da Vinci International Academy was the occasion to provide our preschoolers with a rich and immersive experience! Cinco de Mayo truly encompasses multiple sensorial, cultural, and world language opportunities: through engaging activities like music, dance, and arts and crafts, children can explore the vibrant sights, sounds, and textures associated with Mexican culture. They can also learn about traditional Mexican customs, costumes, and cuisine, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding. Moreover, incorporating basic Spanish vocabulary and phrases during the celebration introduced our young learners to a new language, expanding their linguistic horizons and promoting a sense of global interconnectedness. Overall, the celebration of Cinco de Mayo offered us a holistic and enriching experience that stimulates the senses and nurtures the cultural awareness of our students, while cultivating an early interest in world languages.

Learning Through Play in Preschool

At Leonardo da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we believe that learning should be a joyful and engaging experience. Our language programs integrate seamlessly with our play-based approach, allowing children to learn Spanish or French through interactive and hands-on activities. Some examples include:

1. Language Games: Engaging games and activities designed to introduce vocabulary, pronunciation, and basic language structures. Through play, children develop language skills naturally and enjoyably, in French or Spanish.
2. Storytelling and Songs: Immersive storytelling and songs in Spanish or French help children develop listening comprehension, rhythm, and intonation. These activities foster a love for language and cultural appreciation.
3. Dramatic Play: Role-playing scenarios using puppets, dress-ups, and props enable children to practice new vocabulary and sentence structures in a fun and meaningful context.

Cognitive and Linguistic Benefits

Learning a second language in preschool provides numerous cognitive and linguistic advantages. Here’s why:

1. Strong Language Foundations: Learning a second language early in life lays a solid foundation for language acquisition. Children become more adept at understanding grammar, vocabulary, and syntax, facilitating language development in both their native tongue and the second language.
2. Cultural Awareness and Empathy: Learning a new language exposes children to different cultures, fostering cultural understanding, empathy, and respect for diversity from an early age.
3. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Bilingual preschoolers often exhibit improved problem-solving skills, cognitive flexibility, and creative thinking. Their brains are trained to process information from multiple perspectives, leading to advanced critical thinking skills.

Kindergarten Readiness and Academic Success

By incorporating Spanish or French into our preschool curriculum, we prepare children for kindergarten and future academic success. Here’s how:

1. Improved Literacy Skills: Learning a second language enhances phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, and writing abilities, which are essential for literacy development.
2. Strong Executive Functioning: Bilingualism promotes self-regulation, attention span, and memory skills. These executive functions contribute to better focus, problem-solving, and academic achievement.
3. Expanded Opportunities: Being bilingual opens doors to cultural experiences, global communication, and future career opportunities. Starting language learning in preschool gives children a head start in this interconnected world.

At Leonardo, we provide a safe and nurturing environment where your child can embark on a bilingual journey of discovery. Through play-based language learning activities, we foster cognitive development, linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and kindergarten readiness. Join us as we unlock the immense benefits of learning Spanish or French in our innovative and engaging preschool program!

Embrace the Wonder of Nature: Outdoor Education Adventures for Preschoolers

As young parents living in New Jersey and working in the bustling city of New York, you understand the importance of providing your little ones with the best opportunities for growth and development. By incorporating nature and outdoor experiences into our curriculum at Leonardo da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we create a safe and nurturing environment where your child can thrive while fostering a love for the great outdoors. But first, let’s explore what neurosciences have to say about outdoor learning at an early age.

Neuro benefits of outdoor activities for your child’s cognitive development

Numerous studies have explored the benefits of outdoor learning at an early age. Here is a summary of key findings:

1. Enhanced Cognitive Functioning: Outdoor learning engages multiple senses and stimulates diverse brain areas, leading to improved attention, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Natural environments provide rich sensory experiences that promote cognitive flexibility and critical thinking. Wow!
2. Physical and Motor Development: Outdoor activities also encourage physical movement and active play, which support the development of gross and fine motor skills. And in our preschool, we know that this physical engagement positively influences brain development, coordination, and even overall physical health!
3. Reduced Stress and Improved Well-being: Exposure to nature has a calming effect on the brains of our little ones, reducing stress and anxiety. Being outdoors enhances mood, promotes relaxation, and fosters a sense of well-being in the classroom, which positively impacts our students’ learning and social interactions.

Learning Through Play in Preschool

At Leonardo da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we believe in the power of learning through play. In our nature-inspired outdoor activities, children engage in hands-on experiences that stimulate their senses and ignite their curiosity. Here are some examples of nature-inspired outdoor activities in our preschool :

1. Nature Scavenger Hunts: Preschoolers embark on exciting scavenger hunts, searching for leaves, rocks, flowers, and other treasures from nature. This activity enhances observation skills, promotes vocabulary development, and encourages exploration.
2. Sensory Gardens: Creating a sensory garden provides a multisensory experience where children can touch, smell, and observe various plants and flowers. They learn about different textures, colors, and scents, fostering sensory development and vocabulary expansion.
3. Outdoor Art: Painting with natural materials, such as leaves, twigs, and stones, allows our students to express their creativity while connecting with nature. This activity encourages fine motor skills, imagination, and an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.

Environmental Explorations

At Leonard da Vinci International Academy Preschool, we encourage children to be environmental stewards from a young age. Through outdoor activities, they learn about the importance of taking care of our planet. Here are some examples:

1. Gardening: Preschoolers have the opportunity to plant and tend to their garden beds. They learn about the life cycle of plants, the importance of water conservation, and the joy of growing their food.
2. Bug Investigations: Children explore the fascinating world of insects, observing and learning about different species. This activity sparks curiosity, promotes empathy towards living creatures, and enhances scientific thinking.
3. Nature Crafts: Using natural materials like leaves, pinecones, and twigs, preschoolers create beautiful crafts. This activity promotes fine motor skills, creativity, and an understanding of the value of upcycling and repurposing materials.

Outdoor Physical Activities

Physical development is also a crucial aspect of preschool education at Leonardo da Vinci International Preschool. Outdoor play allows children to strengthen their muscles, improve coordination, and enhance gross motor skills. Let’s explore 3 ways our team will offer outdoor play to your children :

1. Obstacle Courses: We design outdoor obstacle courses that challenge children’s physical abilities while encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.
2. Water Play: During warmer months, children enjoy water play activities like splash pads, water tables, and water games. These activities enhance sensory experiences, promote social interaction, and develop coordination.
3. Nature Walks: Preschoolers embark on guided nature walks, exploring parks and trails. They engage in physical activities like hiking, climbing, and balancing, promoting overall fitness and healthy lifestyles.

In our preschool, our team of devoted teachers strives to provide an exceptional learning environment that embraces the beauty of nature. Through engaging in outdoor activities such as nature scavenger hunts, sensory gardens, gardening, and water play, we foster curiosity, environmental awareness, creativity, and physical development. We invite you to join us on this incredible journey of discovery and growth, where your child can explore, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing outdoor environment.

Unleashing the Power of STEAM: Exciting Adventures in Our Preschool!

Welcome to our dynamic preschool, where little minds come alive with the thrill of STEAM! In this blog post, we’re diving headfirst into the world of STEAM activities and how they supercharge your preschooler’s development. As parents living in New Jersey and embracing all the opportunities of New York, we know you’re seeking the perfect blend of learning and fun for your child. Well, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s explore why STEAM activities are the secret ingredient to preschool success.

Igniting Curiosity: STEAM Adventures in Leonardo da Vinci International Academy

Get ready for a whirlwind of STEAM excitement in our buzzing preschool! Our dedicated team is passionate about infusing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into every corner of your child’s learning journey. From innovative projects to hands-on experiments, we make sure your little one is equipped with the skills and knowledge to conquer the world. It’s time to unlock their full potential with STEAM adventures!

Unforgettable STEAM Activities at Our Preschool

Let’s take a sneak peek into the fantastic STEAM activities happening at Leonardo da Vinci International Academy :

1. Sensational Science Explorations:
   • Dive into a world of scientific wonder through sensory experiments, observing textures, smells, and colors.
   • Let your child’s curiosity soar as they delve into oobleck, slime, and other mesmerizing sensory experiences.
2. Tech-Savvy Wonders:
   • Introduce your preschooler to age-appropriate technology tools that spark their imagination.
   • Watch them bring stories to life with interactive tablets or venture into simple coding exercises, igniting their creativity.
3. Building Adventures:
   • Foster your child’s inner engineer as they construct awe-inspiring structures using blocks, Legos, and recycled materials.
   • Get ready to witness their problem-solving skills soar as they explore balance, stability, and spatial awareness.
4. Artistic Marvels:
   • Unleash your child’s inner artist through STEAM-infused art projects that inspire creativity.
   • From mixing colors to exploring various textures, watch their artistic expressions come to life.

How inspiring, right? At Leonardo da Vinci International Academy, we’re committed to providing an educational experience that sparks curiosity and prepares your child for future success. Join us on this thrilling STEAM adventure! With our engaging STEAM activities, your preschooler will develop a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, all while having a blast! Get ready to watch them thrive and soar to new heights.