Kindergarten: The 3 Elements of a Classical Education
If a classical education makes you think of ivy covered walls, Latin classes and children in uniforms, think again. Most parents don’t know how classical grammar school and specifically a classical kindergarten education can have a great impact on students in their later years. If you think all Kindergarten approaches and curriculum are the same, think again. Here’s why…
Reading is the foundation for all future learning. That’s why the classical approach to Kindergarten at the Virginia Beach School of the Arts focuses on equipping students with the tools for decoding all language, not just rules of phonics that work only 50% of the time. This method is more comprehensive and prepares children for more language decoding and understanding in the years to come.
Mathematics and number sense should be taught informally and through real life situations. The learning of not only shapes and counting but also addition, subtraction, patterns and puzzles is essential and an area of daily concentration in our classical Kindergarten.
Handwriting and good penmanship is directly linked to memory centers in the brain. Copy work instills many basic grammar rules, punctuation and spelling. The classical approach pours in facts during the grammar school years. All higher level reasoning functions the students will use as they age will be based on these acquired facts. Reasoning and rhetoric, the art of conversation, negotiation and debate all find their roots in the acquisition of facts which is dependent upon a good memory and learning skills which were honed in the early years of childhood.
Core knowledge (not to be confused with common core) delivered in an engaging atmosphere using a multi sensory approach is brain based learning. Working parallel to brain development is always better for the students. Now, here is the kicker, our classes capped at an enrollment of 9, are so student focused, excellence and progress are virtually assured. Our classes can move faster or slower adjusting to the needs of each student. Our teachers can devote one on one attention to their students so even our advanced classical curriculum is finished before the end of the school year. Public school kindergartens are in session twice as long daily, more days per year and do not cover the amount of learning our Kindergarten classes do.
Perhaps the finest and most excellent part of Kindergarten at the VBSA is the positive atmosphere of the classroom and the attitudes of the staff. Children respond to love, acceptance, encouragement and kindness. These are our core values reflected daily by Mrs. Lori, Mrs. Angela and Mrs Maria. Our classical approach to education continues into our 1st through 3rd grade classrooms all with small class sizes and dedicated teachers.
Schedule a family tour and see how we make learning beautiful. Reach us today at 757-717-7187 and virginia@vbsota.com.
Kindergarten at the Virginia Beach School of the Arts is located at 3083 Brickhouse Ct. in Virginia Beach and is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education. Our curriculum is The Good and the Beautiful.
When it comes to giving your child the best opportunity for a great start, nothing beats the outstanding Kindergarten program at the Virginia Beach School of the Arts and your child is welcome to enroll. With class sizes capped at 9, their nurturing teachers and assistants are nothing less than heroic.
The kindergarten years are perhaps the most important for setting up your child for success. This is one grade that should be taken very seriously and where they should haver serious fun too!
Give your child the gift that lasts a lifetime: a great education
