Early Childhood Laboratory

Philosophy

We believe children learn by doing and the development is a process.  We assume children are active, competent, and curious.  We assume children want to learn.   We believe children learn best in a safe environment which encourages their active involvement in the learning process, promotes home-school continuity, and enhances individual child's areas of development(i.e., cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development).

GOALS

Children have the opportunity to work, interact, investigate, and express himself/herself through the following ways:

Group Living:

• Planning, working and interacting in an organized environment
• Developing desirable habits, attitudes and concepts within a group context

Creative Activities:

• Expressing self through use of various creative media, such as paint, clay, water and sand
• Learning to explore the use of various manual tools
• Responding rhythmically by singing and moving
• Listening to music

Excursions:

• Visiting points of interest at the university and in the community
• Listening to and interacting with persons outside the ECL

Language Experiences:

• Enjoying communication through stories, conversation, verse, drama
• Building skills and understanding for reading and writing

Health & Safety Education:

• Learning good health habits
• Learning and participating in safety rules