Your children in the early development stages are learning to communicate.
The language they are learning does not make a difference to them. Even if you speak English or two languages at home the developing human brain is easily capable of learning up to 4 languages at this stage of development.
We find that children simply grow into the challenge, learning to communicate with teachers at school in French and learning to communicate with mom, dad, school friends and so on in English without even realising they are doing it.
Research shows that growing up with a second language boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration and the ability to multitask. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity and mental flexibility.
This is besides the child actually speaking multiple languages.
Anaïk & Brett are the owners of our preschool. Les Rayons de Soleil has been a life long dream of Anaïk's whom with the full support of her husband brought this beautiful preschool to life. "Our vision for Les Rayons de Soleil is to bring life to our preschool by being given the opportunity to develop & care for our children & in so doing earn the Trust of the Parents in our school." Although Anaïk & Brett are not part of the Teaching staff, they play an integral part in the daily running of our school & just like the rest of our Team, they are always available to assist Parents with what they need & wish to share with us.
For more details, please contact us on www.frenchpreschool.co.za
The school hours are from 8.00 am until 2.30 pm from Monday to Thursday and from 8.00 am until 12.00 pm on a Friday.
Our aftercare facility are from 2.30 pm until 5.30 pm from Monday to Thursday and from 12.00 pm until 5.30 pm on a Friday.
We currently have a shuttle service who drops off & picks up our children to & from our school. For more details, please contact us on info@frenchpreschool.co.za.
We run an exciting 6-week French holiday care program during the winter break in July/August. For more details, please contact us on info@frenchpreschool.co.za.
The classes' size is 12 pupils per grade.
Physical activity is critical for the development of a child's gross motor skills & promotes health and well-being. It's important that children have daily exposure to fine motor activities, such as stringing beads, snipping paper strips, and pre-writing activities such as scribbling in shaving cream. These tasks develop the co-ordination children will need to read and write at primary school.
Part of the daily programme includes a choice of activities for the children during free play inside – a variety of construction toys, fantasy play, creative work and educational games and puzzles. In the outside play area, they use equipment to encourage climbing, balancing, jumping, swinging, sliding, bike and ball skills, as well as sand and water play.
The morning rings ensure the children develop language skills, improve listening skills, build concentration and confidence, introduce matters of interest and nature as well as discussion of the current theme.
Ring periods and activities are prepared in accordance with the latest Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) as set out by the Department of Education for the Foundation Phase of School Education. New toys, books and equipment are continuously being sourced.
The teachers have been trained to understand how children grow and develop & have renewing their first aid level 1 accreditation. They show a high level of commitment, care about the children and are dedicated and take pride in the development of the children.
The children’s health, welfare and happiness are monitored to ensure overall development and an exciting and interesting environment is created which is conducive to learning. Pupil’s work is displayed informatively and attractively. The safety of the pupils is a priority and any deviant behaviour is managed and reported to parents. The classroom is kept tidy and inviting, and equipment and toys are cleaned and maintained regularly. Order and discipline is kept in a firm and reasonable manner and good work and behaviour is rewarded.
We help instil a love of stories and rhymes by introducing a variety of books and stories. This is an essential part of our learning programme and helps to develop language, imagination and drama in the young child.
Our curriculum is discovery-based and not one that is primarily focused on drill and practice skills. While structure is essential, we offer opportunities for children to make choices about their learning.
The children’s work is assessed regularly. Formal reports are sent home at the end of every term. Flip files are used in all the classes and these provide a record of your child’s capabilities and achievements. Parents are encouraged to keep in touch with your teacher or principal at any time and to let us know if there is anything that has happened that may affect your child – the death of a pet, moving house etc. Also, please let us know if your child is sick or has had a bad night. Keep them at home if they are ill. It is unfair both to them and to their peers to bring them to school.
If you feel you need to talk about your child with your teacher, please make an appointment for a short informal discussion. It is important that a plan of action is put in place so that home and school work together, to serve the child. If you have any concerns, please contact the school. However, we discourage parents from popping in on the groups during the day, as many children find it unsettling and may think it is time to go home.
We are open to welcoming you into the program we encourage you to stop in at any time. We give you feedback on your child's development & daily routine.
You will receive a calendar of events each month for you to review. A weekly notice will be posted at the entrance advising of the current theme and activities. Parent-teacher conferences are available upon request where we are open to meet with you privately so you can hear about the classroom routine & talk with the teachers. Periodically, teachers send home Teacher Comments’ discussing your child’s adjustment to & enjoyment of the classroom routine.
Newsletters are sent out from the office from time to time regarding the latest themes and calendar items etc.
INNINGS
Innings, as opposed to outings, are an important part of our educational programme. This is where someone comes to the school to demonstrate something or entertain the children. These are, as far as possible, scheduled to coincide with the themes. In order to foster your child’s language, we encourage you to ask your child about their day and to show interest and enthusiasm in what they are able to relay to you. We will keep you advised of which demonstrations will be available soon.
OUTINGS
Visits to the Lonehill Fire Station and Monte Casino Bird Park are typical outings we love to organise for informative and fun mornings.
These lessons are billed separately by the various service providers. Application forms are available from the office. This list is updated as new extra murals become available. Classes are slotted into the morning programme. Interested parents are invited to watch a demonstration lesson. All payments must be in the form of an EFT to the service provider.
This is one of the most important factors influencing brain development and behaviour of growing children. Foods that they eat have a direct effect on their concentration and performance. Please ensure that the snacks you provide is nutritious and does not include too much sugar.
Nutritious, well-balanced hot lunches are provided. A pre-meal routine such as going to the restroom and washing hands & appropriate table manners are also taught. Your child is also given the chance to socialize during meals & snacks.
Please send a small snack and water with your child daily. Due to the prevalence and severity of food allergies, as a precaution, we ask that parents do not send in snacks or treats containing peanut butter or any type of nut or nut products. We recommend that snacks be nutritious and non-perishable. Suggestions for healthy snacks are fruits, yoghurts, small sandwiches, vegetables, muffins & cereal. Water is the recommended drink.
Every parent is encouraged and is most welcome to become an active member of the PTA. Our parents help in many ways: e.g. event organizing, fund-raising, assisting the class teachers; communication, financial planning, etc.
We prefer to use the term 'behavioral guidance,' rather than discipline.
The classroom rules are explained to the children so that your child knows what to expect.
We encourage positive behavior on a daily basis with the use of a reward chart in the classroom.
Our philosophy is to help children understand what they can do as opposed to what they can't do.
When conflicts occur or problem behaviors arise, positive redirection is the first course of action with strategies such as a cool-down time to follow when redirection isn't successful.
The overall tone between children and teachers is one of respect.
Children's emotions are acknowledged & teachers show empathy as children experience the ups and downs of a typical day.
The teacher will talk to the child privately to explain the behaviour problem. Children may be directed to an individual activity (i.e. reading, puzzles) if the inappropriate behaviour persists. Should the problem continue, the parents will be informed. When a child displays unusual behaviour such as prolonged crying, tantrums, kicking, or biting, the parents will be notified immediately. Children are not subjected to physical punishment or rough handling, nor will they be enclosed in a confined space. Staff accepts toileting accidents as normal in this age group and will never single out or punish a child for the accident.
We have an 'open door' policy in which parents are always welcome to visit or observe the class. To avoid disruption to the other children, please limit visits to 15-20 minutes. It is often helpful to let the teachers know when you are coming and whom you will be bringing (baby brother or sister, grandparents, etc)