Our Work is Our Play
The programs at Riverbend Christian School is structured to be developmentally appropriate. Through much study we have come to believe that young children learn best through play. A group of children in the block center or housekeeping area are learning to solve problems, create new objects, take risks, and think in new ways.
As children play with each other, they learn to see another child's point of view and begin to be more empathetic and caring. Children who play alone may be practicing new ideas they have developed. They may be trying out a new way to do something before bringing the idea to the group.
Research indicates that intrinsic motivation, when we learn something primarily because we find the task enjoyable, is a more effective and satisfying way to learn. We make an effort to provide materials and activities that provide choice and are of interest to the children. By doing this we encourage higher-level thinking and problem solving, while providing an appropriate educational setting for your child. Play is very important to children. It is the vehicle for developing cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language skills. In our program, each child is provided opportunities for personal growth through group involvement, creative activities, problem solving, self-control and acceptance of responsibility.
We offer a "Learning Through Play" environment. All classrooms are set up in centers, which include a homeliving center for dramatic play, a block center, an art center, science and math, a quiet area with books and sensory activities. Manipulatives are available for children to build their fine motor skills, such as manipulating playdough, lacing beads, sorting shapes, using tongs to pick up objects, stacking objects, etc. Our 4 & 5 year old classrooms also have a computer in the classroom and a writing center.
Riverbend Christian School follows The Creative Curriculum and our 3, 4 and 5 year old classes utilize the Handwriting Without Tears program.
RBCS 2011-2012 Parent Handbook
RBCS 2011-2012 Brochure
RBCS 2012-2013 Brochure
Children in our Mother's Day Out program will be introduced to the following skills: verbal and language, gross and fine motor, and socialization. These skills will be developed through interaction with teachers and other children. The teacher will provide a warm, loving environment in which the child may play, explore, and develop a good self-esteem. The teachers will also help in the transition from home to school. A daily note will be sent home with a record of the child's mood, diapering, and classroom activities.
Individual and group learning opportunities are provided daily in our preschool classes through developmentally appropriate active learning experiences which foster higher thinking and build confidence and self esteem. Our 3 to 5 year classes have implemented the Handwriting Without Tears pre-writing and letter recognition curriculum which has been adopted by EISD. Our degreed teachers incorporate the Creative Curriculum and Developmentally Appropriate Practices when planning their units of study. Each school day the children participate in either Creative Movement, Spanish instruction or Music classes. Outdoor play is also scheduled daily. The curriculum is rich in literacy and phonetic awareness, process art, science, math and discovery, fine and gross motor activities and social interactions. Chapel, consisting of a Bible story and singing is offered weekly as well as Story Time with our school librarian. Weekly notes keep parents informed of classroom activities.
Our Kinder Bridge class has been designed specifically for children who are five and have already completed a traditional Pre-K program. This class will include more activities that build confidence, encourage independence, enhance socialization, and strengthen academic success.