Understanding the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Posted on Sunday August 20 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

At Strelitz International Academy, we take great pride in being an International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School for the Primary Years Programme (PYP). As an IB® World School and one of the best affordable private schools in Norfolk VA, we are committed to providing a challenging and inclusive educational experience that empowers our diverse students to become lifelong learners. Read on to learn the key aspects of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and its significance in shaping well-rounded individuals.

Promoting Student Agency through Inquiry-Based Learning

At the heart of the IB® PYP is an inquiry-based approach to learning. We strongly believe that students learn best when actively engaged in the education process and are free to explore their curiosities. By nurturing student agency, we encourage our young learners to take ownership of their education and pursue knowledge both inside and outside the classroom. This approach allows learners to thrive, fostering critical thinking skills and a genuine passion for academia.

Developing the Whole Child

The IB® PYP is built upon a holistic framework that goes beyond academic excellence. It focuses on evolving the whole child—encompassing advanced knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and actions. The ultimate goal is to instill in students the qualities that make them well-rounded individuals, like openmindedness, empathy, principled behavior, and strong values. By strengthening these attributes, we aim to shape responsible global citizens who contribute positively to society.

Transdisciplinary Themes for Deeper Learning

As a core focus, the IB® PYP incorporates globally significant transdisciplinary themes to guide deeper learning. These themes, such as “Who We Are,” “How the World Works,” and “Sharing the Planet,” enable students to connect different subjects with real-world issues. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to understand the interconnectedness of knowledge and develop a more comprehensive knowledge of the world around them.

Passionate and Dedicated Educators

Our educators are the key communicators in delivering the IB® PYP properly and effectively. They collaborate to provide an integrated learning model across all disciplines, creating a curriculum based on students’ experiences and interests. To ensure the highest quality of education, our faculty participates in professional development and extensive IB training, inspiring them to innovate new learning methods that ignite students’ curiosity and action.

Global Connections and Inspiring Engagement

The IB® PYP is synonymous with global connectedness—pushing us to translate the best practices in the classroom. We encourage students to engage with communities beyond their immediate surroundings, morphing a newfound sense of global awareness and empathy. This exposure enriches their learning experiences and prepares them to be active and kind citizens in an interconnected world.

Parent and Community Involvement

We can’t elevate our students without their parents’ help. The effects of the IB® PYP reach far past the classroom walls, fusing with our students’ everyday lives. We value parent support and welcome their active involvement in their child’s education. That way, students can further learn how their lessons reflect daily life.
Community experts are invited to share their knowledge and experiences with our students, building meaningful connections between the school and the broader community. With invaluable support from parents and the community, our students can be confident as they find their place in the world.

Empowering Students to Take Action

Our IB® primary school knows that there are only results with action. The IB® Programme empowers students to be active citizens within local and global communities by participating in various activities that make a positive impact. From community service initiatives to environmental conservation projects, our students’ experiences both enrich their education and ignite a sense of responsibility to be empathetic to others.
Looking for an “IB® elementary school near me?” Send your child to a school that sets them up for success. Tour Strelitz International Academy today.

Summertime at the Strelitz International Academy

Posted on Thursday August 10 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

Early Years 2 student, Keren Shechter, uses shiny paper to create a paper plate rainbow fish.

Rainbows, rocket ships and red, white and blue spirit are just some of the themes that filled our classrooms this summer! Our summer session at the Strelitz International Academy has been busy both inside and outside of the classroom. Early Years students have experienced swimming at the JCC’s swimming pool daily and water play to cool off on the hot, sunny days! To keep up the excitement and engagement throughout the summer, a new theme is introduced weekly. Our creative educators plan daily lessons and activities that follow the week’s themes and are sure to put a smile on our students’ faces!

We commenced our summer program with Animal Kingdom week. Students in Morah Jamie Jones and Morah Erika Ferrell’s toddler class enjoyed fun crafts and sensory activities. Students engaged their fine motor skills while using stampers and paintbrushes to create lions. The toddlers also used tweezers to “rescue” animals from hay. Despite it being a rainy first week, the students used their imagination and had a wonderful time!

Early Years 2 student, Keren Shechter, uses shiny paper to create a paper plate rainbow fish.

Toddler 4 student, Everett Booth, holding a lion he “rescued” from the hay.

Next up was Under the Sea week! Morah Rachel Helms and Morah Lorena Smithson’s Early Years 2 class read The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. After reading the story, the students constructed paper plate rainbow fish and used sparkly paper to cut up and apply as the shimmering scales. Helms and Smithson created a beach-themed sensory bin with sand, ocean animal figures and tools to build sandcastles. The weather was perfect, and students and staff had a great time!

To kick off the month of July, our theme was Red, White and Blue! Although it was a shorter week due to the holiday, it was still full of exciting activities. Toddlers in Morah Katie Norman and Morah Teresa Briscoe’s class explored their artistic expression. The toddlers used dish washing brushes as their painting instruments. Using different brushes for each color, they created bright and colorful fireworks on colored construction paper. This was a new and unique experience for our students, and they will be tying it into another themed week this summer!

Although the summer at SIA is quickly approaching an end, we are looking forward to the last few weeks and the creative experiences the themes will bring. Whether it be blasting off in a rocket ship or a color run for Color Madness week, we are confident that our educators will bring enthusiasm and participation to our classrooms. We hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer!

Importance of Enrichment and After School Activities

Posted on Thursday January 5 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

When your child is done with the school day, you don’t want them to just plop in front of the TV or play video games for hours on end. Your child will benefit greatly from enriching programs that keep minds engaged and foster fitness.

At Strelitz International Academy, we share this philosophy. We believe that young children need enrichment and after-school activities that keep them active in healthy ways. After all, healthy students are better learners.

By providing physical activity opportunities for our students during and after school, as well as offering enrichment activities in music, art, and more, we feel we are addressing the whole child and helping each student become a well-rounded, confident, and empowered individual.

Benefits of After-School Activities

Every parent wants their children to not only do well at school, but also discover interests that feed their mental, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional sides. Educators at Strelitz want the same, and this is why we offer a range of enrichment and after-school activities kids enjoy so much they don’t even realize they’re learning.

The benefits of young students participating in age-appropriate, inclusive after-school activities are many. They include:

Better attention span in the classroom
Improved cognitive skills
Opportunities for students to explore their potential and expand their minds
Increased social and emotional learning
Improved academic performance
Greater learning opportunities in a safe, supportive environment

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), benefits of school-based physical activity include less risk of developing depression, improved mood, better heart health, and healthier weight levels.

Enrichment activities can make learning more fun. They reinforce what the educators are teaching throughout the week.

Many enrichment and after-school activities can also serve as an outlet for kids with a genuine need to expend more energy, try new things, spend more time with peers, or have the freedom to discover at their own pace.

With caring, supportive staff overseeing these enrichment programs, young students have the guidance they need in a safe environment that invites them to explore the world they live in.

Activities for Younger School-Age Children at the Academy

Here at Strelitz, we offer a number of activities children can participate in to help them feel more confident and capable wherever they go, including in the classroom, at home, and in the community.

Enrichment activities are provided to young students enrolled in our program. These are some of the enrichment and after-school activities we offer.

Fitness

Aquatics: Weekly swimming activities during the school day help kids stay fit while developing coordination and motor skills. Individual swimming lessons are also offered after school on campus through the Simon Family JCC.
Physical activity: Our teams know how to make exercising fun for youngsters by adding variety and turning fitness into playtime. Students have access to our state of the art Gym and expansive outdoor playground.
Outside play: Students have the opportunity to run and play in a safe, supervised environment, either outside in age-appropriate playgrounds or indoors in our gym.

Activities

Music: A local professional musician regularly leads music circles for our students. Our music program helps children build their language skills and develop improved memory.
Library time: We love books, and we share this love of reading with our students through visits to our school library, which helps build strong literacy in readers and pre-readers alike.
Specialty activities: Our resource teachers create themed learning enrichment experiences that are exciting and educational.
Art: We help children explore and understand the world around them through a variety of art projects that help them tap into their creativity.
Cooking: Age-appropriate kitchen tasks teach children how to prepare snacks that are tasty and healthy in our school cooking center. Many of the recipes are made using ingredients from our school garden.
Hebrew language enrichment:All are welcome at our school, and we love sharing our school’s cultural heritage through Hebrew language enrichment activities.
Science exploration:Young children have so many questions, and they love to learn how the world works. Through age-appropriate science exploration activities, we help them study, observe, and learn via scientific methods.

We also partner with JCC afterschool activities for additional fitness and enrichment opportunities, such as yoga and self-defense, which rotate seasonally.

Learn More

Be sure to explore everything Strelitz International Academy has to offer for your child and your family, particularly if you’ve been asking yourself, “What are the best private elementary schools near me?” We believe that when you visit us, you will see a high level of quality in all we do.

Our educators are experienced in working effectively with young children, and they know how to make learning fun and engaging for different ages and attention spans.

As a private IB elementary school, Strelitz offers expanded opportunities for students who are ready for a more challenging learning experience. Ask us about what we offer as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.

Kindergartners’ Heartwarming Stories on the Importance of Family Traditions

Posted on Friday December 30 , 2022 by Strelitz International Academy

As we bundle up for the Holiday season, families worldwide are getting ready to share meals, memories, and smiles—as they do every year. But what sets our holidays apart? At Strelitz Academy, an IB elementary school in Virginia Beach, our kindergarten students recognize that every family is unique by embracing the special traditions their families celebrate together.

What is a Family Tradition?

A family tradition isn’t just a strict, bullet-listed regime families abide by every year. It is an essential practice of their culture and individuality—tributed as fluidly or rigidly as they wish. It is a memorable date or event they hold near and dear to their hearts, intertwined with their lifestyle and identity. Traditions are one of the many ways we feel connected to our families, nurturing our love for each other as we grow.

Who We Are

Mrs. Baker’s kindergarten students participated in the “Who We Are” unit to identify their favorite family traditions, both new and passed down for generations. Creating their Family Tree Projects to learn about their ancestral timelines and history, students displayed what “tradition” means to them.

Rolling through some of our top holidays in calendar order, let’s hear what our IB early school kindergartners say about the traditions that shape their families. Maybe you’ll want to integrate one of theirs into your family, too!

Shabbat

Shabbat (alternatively “Sabbath” or “Shabbos”) is the core of Jewish life and has been since the dawn of their creation. The Talmud cites Shabbat as significant as all other commandments and is celebrated on the seventh day of the week, from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall. Observant Jews refrain from driving, working, or using electronics and typically honor the weekly tradition in the synagogue or at home with family and friends.

On this important day of rest, Asher joins his family every Friday to enjoy a delicious meal, pray, and discuss the Torah. Friday is a special day for him because it’s the day everyone can come together as a family.

Meirav embodies her Judaic pride by lighting the Sabbath candles for her family, and is just one of the many Jewish holidays she looks forward to every year.

Independence Day

On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, splitting America from British rule and making every American a free citizen. That’s why the Fourth of July goes further than fireworks, family barbeques, and red, white, and blue t-shirts. It’s the day we highlight our patriotism as Americans and thank our history for bringing us to our families and friends today.

Eliza likes her Fourth to go off with a boom! Her tradition is to travel all the way to Indiana to marvel at fireworks with her grandma and grandpa. Just like her mother did when she was a child, this day ingrains a habitual bond with her family.

Thanksgiving

In the spirit of family, Thanksgiving is a pivotal time when families unite to count their blessings and cherish what they’re thankful for. Whether it’s prayers around the dinner table, cutting the turkey, watching the Macy’s Parade, or breaking the wishbone for good luck, Thanksgiving is a November tradition upheld by current and future Americans.

Rooted in rich American history, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to express gratitude for family and friends that you may otherwise take for granted. Thomas gives thanks to his family by joining his grandparents for Thanksgiving dinner. He enjoys the fall harvest holiday because he can be surrounded by the people he loves.

Hanukkah

It’s the eight-day Festival of Lights, or for some of our IB private school students, their favorite time of the year. Hanukkah (“Chanukah”), though mentioned as a minor Jewish holiday in the Torah, is anything but, landing on the 25th day of Kisler (between November and December). During the blustery winter, Jewish families exchange gifts and warmth by the light of the Menorah, eat tasty oil-based foods (latkes, sufganiyot, potato pancakes, etc.), and spin the dreidel. Fun fact: did you know that Hanukkah was even observed from space?

For Natan, this is the special day when he prepares the Menorah. He and Meirav found that they have a lot in common because they both love lighting the candles for their families!

What’s Your Family Tradition?

Though many of our favorite family traditions line up with holidays, inventing your own is an excellent way to turn an ordinary day into something spectacular. Like the Chinese worship the moon during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Spanish honor their passed loved ones with the Day of the Dead, and the Hindus illuminate the night on Diwali, humans are always finding reasons to create memories with their families. Who’s to say you can’t make your own?

Dani is a perfect example of this: she has created a family tradition during a date that is important to her, but is not a national holiday—the night before the first day of school. During this exciting night, she and her brother eat ice cream for dinner. The cherry on top is starting the school year at Strelitz the following day, the mouthwatering meal serving as a fresh start.

Being a Jewish school, there are some national holidays our children love to share with their families off-campus. For Haley, that’s Halloween— every October 31st, she loves to sit back and relax by the firepit with her family and friends, watching a spooky movie or two on the outdoor screen in her backyard. And when December rolls around, Tacari and Jay both slip on their Christmas pajamas and spend fun times with their loved ones, taking family photos all day long.

Welcoming Our Differences

As one of the best private elementary schools Virginia Beach, Strelitz International Academy is a prekindergarten IB World School, IB elementary school, and a Melting Pot of ethnicities and backgrounds. Through our child-prioritized programs, we are continually merging our culturally-rich diversity with our premier education, every day. By reading each of these kindergarteners’ love-adorned stories, we hope you hold your child extra tight during this winter season and continue raising smiles for years to come!

For more information on how your child can join our warm community, please call Carin Simon, Admissions Director, at 757.424.4327.

How International Baccalaureate learning approach at SIA Makes a Difference in Grade 5 Students

Posted on Friday December 31 , 2021 by Carin Simon

The International Baccalaureate (IB) approach to learning at SIA is a great way to create well-rounded individuals with problem-solving and creative thinking skills. At Strelitz International Academy we use the IB approach to learning in all of our classes to ensure that every student is able to visualize and think critically about the knowledge they learn. But how does this approach make a difference in grade 5 students? In this article, we will discuss what the IB approach to learning is, how it is beneficial, and how it makes a difference in grade 5 students.

What is the International Baccalaureate approach to learning?

There are many different methods that instructors can use when teaching. In addition, there are many different ways that children can learn. The IB approach is one of the methods that teachers can use to instruct students, and it is one of the best ways for students to fully grasp a topic.

With IB-style learning, children are given the opportunity to use the knowledge they have just learned in a real-world setting. The IB learning approach can be used in every subject that is taught. For example, students can use the information they have learned about division to solve a problem. Similarly, children can learn about a haiku (a poetic form) by writing one themselves. In addition, students can learn about human anatomy by dissecting a frog. These are all excellent examples of IB-style learning.

The Kinesthetic Learning Style

Each student is unique and has their own learning style. Some students do better when they learn auditorily. The auditory learning style is typical in higher education institutions where students listen to an instructor and take notes on the topic. For some students, this is an ideal way of learning. For other students, visual learning is ideal. Visual learners tend to use images and the written word to file away information. This can include the use of graphs, videos, textbooks, etc. The combination of these two styles is kinesthetic learning or IB-style learning. Kinesthetic learning uses a combination of auditory and visual learning styles to teach students.

Instead of just sitting in a classroom and having to write or read information, students are placed into situations where they have to apply the knowledge they learned. This helps them actively engage with the material and allows them to learn in a style that suits them.

What are the Benefits of IB style learning?

IB-style learning is one of the most effective ways that students can learn. There are many reasons for this, but some of them include:

Develop fine motor skills and challenge systems

An education that uses a variety of global learning research methods

Encourage students to be local and global citizens

Create multilingual students

As we mentioned earlier, IB-style learning is a great way for students to take the knowledge they learn in the classroom and apply it to real-life situations. Similarly, this experience shows the students that the knowledge they gain can be applied and used in the “real world.”

How does IB style learning make a difference in grade 5 students?

Students in grade 5 are right on the edge of going to middle school. The subjects they learn in this area are used as a foundation for the years to come. Creating an engaging and thought-provoking educational experience can help them be prepared. The grade 5 curriculum can be pretty rigorous and using an IB-style learning approach can help make the topics more understandable. Programs such as the International Baccalaureate program at Strelitz International Academy use IB-style learning to encourage well-rounded and inquisitive students.

IB Style Learning in the Grade 5 International Baccalaureate Program at Strelitz International Academy

At Strelitz International Academy, we understand that learning styles are different. That is why in our International Baccalaureate (IB) program, we use an IB-style approach to learning in every subject we teach.

Our IB students learn math through problem-solving—building their critical thinking skills. They challenge assumptions in science by conducting experiments and completing research projects. The IB program teaches children about global citizenship and intercultural understanding and respect, through social studies and languages classes. With an IB-style learning approach, our IB students learn language arts by writing their own books, poems, and speeches; and use technology in their everyday studies for robotics, coding, and computer classes.

Our goal at Strelitz International Academy is to provide our students with the experiences and knowledge for them to be successful and productive citizens. Ready to learn more about our International Baccalaureate program? We are currently enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year and would love to schedule a campus tour with you! Call our office at 757-424-4327. In the meantime, find out what other parents have to say about SIA here.

Values vs. Academics: Finding the Balance with Elementary Education

Posted on Wednesday December 8 , 2021 by Carin Simon

A well-rounded individual who excels in personal goals and external goals has to be nurtured into being at a young age. Just like we learn languages, math, history, etc. we also have to learn empathy, compassion, critical thinking, etc. It is only with values-based and academics-based education that we can mold our children into well-rounded individuals. At Strelitz International Academy, we believe that finding the right balance between academics and values is important to the development of your child’s elementary education.

Values-Based Elementary Education

A values-based education has the objective of creating good citizenship in individuals and society. Through the elementary education model, students develop personally, globally, and spiritually. At SIA, we teach a number of values in addition to traditional academics. The aim of our values-based elementary education is to create children who grow to be:

Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Risk-takers
Principled
Thinkers
Communicators
Caring
Balanced
Open-Minded
Reflective

These are all key values of well-rounded and productive members of society.

Academics-Based Elementary Education

Values-based education is a great way to create emotionally intelligent students, but they still need a traditional education if they want to excel in our society. That is why we incorporate values-based learning into standard academics-based learning. Academics are important, they teach us history, math, language, and give us outlets to express ourselves and explore our talents. However, strictly learning academics can leave holes in your child’s overall development.

In general, academics were left to be learned at school and values were learned in the home. However, children have a difficult time using and integrating the values they learned at home if they are not reinforced and taught at school as well.

Balancing Values and Academics

Both values-based and academic-based academics have their strengths and weaknesses. It is only by balancing these two learning models that we can create well-rounded and compassionate global citizens. By introducing and reinforcing these values in an academic setting, students learn to use these values in addition to their academics to solve problems. At Strelitz International Academy we do just that. Students will learn at an accelerated pace the typical academic subjects such as language arts, math, social studies, science, technology, P.E., etc. However, they will also learn values and learn how to be compassionate and proactive citizens.

Within each of these academic subjects, we make sure to include and teach the values that will help them become successful. Within our social studies program, we take the time to ensure they understand respect for democratic ideals and give them a sense of conviction that they can make a difference. Our math program works not only on numbers but on problem solving. Children are given the opportunity to work with others and use technology to solve problems. And in their language arts studies students learn fine motor skills.

Values and Academics at Strelitz International Academy

At SIA, we take the time to develop your child’s academic education and their personal development education. Our ultimate mission is to “promote a social and global consciousness that encompasses a profound respect for all humanity.” You can read more about our primary years (elementary education) program on our website.

Are you looking for a balanced values and academics elementary education for your child? We are currently enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year, and would love to welcome your child to SIA. To find out more and schedule a campus tour, please call 757-424-4327. Find out what other parents have to say about SIA here.

Advantages of Preschool for Toddlers

Posted on Monday July 26 , 2021 by Carin Simon

Three girls studying and doing there daily chores

As your sweet baby grows into a more independent child, you may be thinking about preschool. Even though it might be hard to send your little one off to school for the first time, providing your child with a quality private preschool education sets your son or daughter up for success.

The emotional skills and understanding of the world that children develop while very young will help them become constructive members of society throughout their lives. Research shows that preschool graduates are better prepared for school and eventually, earn more money as adults.

Here are some important reasons why private preschool is so important for toddlers:

Preschool Teaches Children How to Learn

Young children are constantly soaking up experiences like a sponge through playing and observing the world around them. Acclimating them to a school setting while toddlers is a great way for children to learn in ways that interest them, and instill the idea that learning, and school, is fun.

Preschool Develops Social Skills

Preschool is probably the first place where a child will spend long periods of time with other children and adults outside the family. This new environment provides the chance to learn essential interpersonal skills, such as how to pay attention, listen, cooperate, make friends, and learn the basics of conversation.

Preschool Teaches Children How to Self-Regulate

Inevitably, any time children play and engage in activities together, conflicts arise. Those times of frustration and anger are opportunities for teachers to provide “teachable moments,” where they can encourage children to notice the effect their behavior has on others and start practicing how to resolve conflict. These emotional skills will be vital to preschool graduates throughout their entire lives.

Preschool Boosts Pre-Literacy Skills

A big part of every preschool day are the variety of games and activities that help children build pre-literacy skills. These can include singing alphabet songs, learning rhymes to help distinguish between sounds, listening to stories read by their teacher, and playing with magnetic alphabet letters. An early positive association with reading often leads to a lifetime love of it.

Preschool teachers help children develop language capabilities by introducing new vocabulary and asking thought-provoking questions.

Preschool Gets Children Ready for Math

Along with reading, preschool builds the foundations for future success in math through calendar time, guided play and fun activities like sorting, matching, or counting games. Certain board games are also useful at helping young students develop an understanding of categories and numbers.

Preschool Nurtures Children’s Curiosity and Creativity

Young children have lively imaginations. It’s important to nurture their active minds to fuel learning and creativity. Preschool environments are set up to encourage and stimulate exploration. A good preschool teacher will encourage children to be curious and develop their own ideas and thoughts. They will ask questions and listen to children’s ideas rather than pushing “correct” answers.

Preschool Teaches Children How to Be Responsible

Preschool children are often given chances to practice how to be responsible. These include washing their hands, keeping personal belongings in cubbies, and putting toys back in their proper spots. In addition to self-care, preschoolers learn how to take care of others by helping other children learn skills they’re more competent at or by helping out in the classroom.

Preschool Helps Children Develop Cognitive and Motor Skills

Children build cognitive skills by engaging in activities that challenge them to try new things, ask questions, solve problems, and be more aware of the world around them. Preschool is centered around these types of activities, so children are able to learn more.

But the mind isn’t the only important part of your child’s development. In addition to outside play time, many preschool activities help children develop fine motor skills and physical coordination. For example they might be given projects that involve drawing, threading beads, even cutting with scissors.

Preschool Prepares Children for Kindergarten!

Over the years, kindergarten has become increasingly academic. A high-quality preschool education program will offer children the skills development they’ll need to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.

After having learned basic social and communication skills, they’ll be more comfortable cooperating and asking for help. With strong pre-literacy, cognition, and math foundation skills, they’re less likely to struggle.

The Best Private Preschool in Hampton Roads

Are you looking for a private preschool in Virginia Beach for your 3 year old? The best preschools help children develop a drive to learn that they will take with them throughout their time in school and throughout their lives.

At Strelitz International Academy, our staff, administration, and teachers believe in inquiry-based education rather than the standardized curriculums used in public school. Our Early Years Programme follows the guidelines of developmentally appropriate practice promoted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children(NAEYC).

The Strelitz International Academy is an International Baccalaureate® World School for students between the ages of 3 and 12 (kindergarten through 5th grade).

A private preschool might just be the perfect choice for your toddler. We invite you to come join us, learn more about our curriculum and our dedication to helping children learn so we can get their journey started. Click here to find out more, or please give us a call at 757-424-4327.

Importance of Pre-Kindergarten

Posted on Saturday July 24 , 2021 by Carin Simon

Teacher teaching all Pre-Kindergarten students

What Is The Difference Between Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten?

Essentially, the goals of both preschool and pre-Kindergarten are the same – to get your preschool or pre-Kindergarten age child ready for kindergarten. One of the main differences between a preschool and a pre-Kindergarten classroom is the age and developmental abilities of the children who participate.

Depending on state licensing regulations and enrollment needs, the appropriate age for preschool is usually from 2 ½ to 4 ½ years old. Regardless of the child’s age, the learning is very similar, with emphasis on learning ABC’s, numbers to ten, and how to interact with other kids.

During the early preschool years, children develop vocabulary and language skills, are introduced to a wide variety of materials, and begin to learn how to work with others as well as independently. Both preschool and pre-Kindergarten classrooms emphasize learning through hands-on experiences, and exploration.

Pre-Kindergarten acts as the essential bridge between preschool and kindergarten and are designed for children who are 4 or 5 years old. While each child develops at his or her own pace, activities in pre-Kindergarten programs are focused on developing the skills and more advanced learning they’ll need to ensure success in kindergarten.

Why Is Pre-Kindergarten Important?

Research has shown that young children who participate in high-quality pre-Kindergarten programs enter school more ready to learn than their peers. A study in Michigan, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia found that children in state pre-Kindergarten scored 31 percent higher on vocabulary tests and 44 percent higher on math tests than those of non-participants, placing them three to four months ahead of non-participants.

According to the Urban Child Institutes, school readiness, i.e., the cognitive, behavioral and social skills that help a child perform at an appropriate level in school, is a good predictor of long-term achievement. Research suggests that there are four key dimensions of readiness – language and literacy, thinking skills, self-control, and self-confidence.

When these four foundations are strong, a child is ready to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. When a child enters kindergarten lacking the necessary skills to be successful, it’s much hard for him or her to keep up with their peers and move forward.

Pre-Kindergarten is also useful because many students need an extra year to get used to a classroom, and an educational environment where they can get excited about learning. Pre-Kindergarten can help a child develop confidence, making it easier to master concepts and learn to cooperate with their peers.

If you’re interested in a private school pre-Kindergarten program, consider our Strelitz Early Years Program. Our teachers guide students in a loving and nurturing environment which encourages language development, creativity, logical thinking, problem-solving and exploration of the world.

We know Early Childhood Education teaches emotional and social lessons along with basic educational skills. That’s why the staff, administration, and teachers of Strelitz International Academy believe in inquiry-based education rather than the standardized curriculums used in public school.

It’s also a reason why we chose to meet the rigorous demands necessary to become an International Baccalaureate (IB®) school, offering their Primary Years Programme (PYP) to students between the ages of 3 and 12 (kindergarten through 5th grade).

We invite you to come join us, learn more about our curriculum and our dedication to helping children learn so we can get their journey started. Give us a call at 757-424-4327.

Building A Great Educational Partnership

Posted on Wednesday November 4 , 2020 by Janet Jenkins

Conversation Between Parents and Elementary School Teacher

Building an educational partnership is an important component of student growth. With parent conferences over and the end of the first trimester nearing, there are a few things to ensure that positive communication remains open between parents and teachers.

Communication about student progress is continuous: At the beginning of the year, teachers introduce themselves and discuss classroom routines at Parents’ Night. SIA teachers continue to communicate with highlights of classroom experiences through their newsletters and posts on ParentSquare. Parent-Teacher Conferences are held during the first and third trimester. SIA’s reporting system closely aligns with the IB philosophy, and teachers provide detailed information about student progress. Throughout the year, when teachers have information they would like to share with parents they will call, write a note, or send an email or ParentSquare message.

Teachers’ biggest passion is supporting student growth as they develop into strong learners with agency. As parents, you want your child to make the most out of their learning day. Keep discussions open with your child’s teacher. Share what you know about your child’s development and listen to the recommendations of the teachers. Working together, we are a great team for educational success.

Here are some great tips for partnering with your child’s teacher:

Help your teacher get to know your child: Often, the things you observe your child doing at home, the teacher also observes in the classroom. You may have strategies to share with your child’s teacher that works for you at home. If you are new to the school, share information that has helped your child to be successful in the past.

Ask questions: If your child brings home news of classroom happenings that leave you with questions, ask the teacher. Discussing situations with students or even other parents can sometimes stray from the facts. Never hesitate to ask about a situation from the teacher’s perspective so you get all sides of a story.

Openly discuss concerns: Listen to the recommendations of the teacher and if strategies are suggested, follow through at home and we will do the same at school. If you still have questions after speaking with your child’s teacher, you are welcome to reach out to a director.

Reasons Why You Might Want Your Child To Attend A Private School

Posted on Thursday July 23 , 2020 by Carin Simon

Students are learning at Private School in Virginia

If your child is just reaching school age, if you recently moved and are looking for new educational opportunities, or if you just aren’t satisfied with the education your child is receiving at a public school, you may want to consider looking into a private school. Here are a few reasons why private elementary schools may be a better option for your family:

– Focus: Private schools generally have smaller class sizes so students can get more one-on-one attention. If a child is having difficulty with a particular lesson or concept, private school teachers can more easily identify an issue, and can work individually with the student to get them back on track.

– Safety: With a higher ratio of adults to students, private schools not only have the opportunity to pinpoint if children are having trouble with lessons or concepts, they can also keep better track of the kids as they interact. So, if bullying is a problem or if a situation is escalating between students, adults can identify what’s happening more quickly and can step in faster to disarm the situation.

– Education: Public school curriculums are often handed down from the state level, with some varying degrees of differences being influenced by public school boards in each county or municipality. While private schools can utilize standardized curriculums, they also have the freedom to deviate in ways that can create a more well-rounded education that can also be focused on topics such as religion.

– Resources: Private schools charge tuition and often have endowments or fundraising opportunities that directly relate to providing the resources students will need for an advanced education.

– Graduation: Not surprisingly, private schools across the nation have nearly a 100% rate of graduation, while public schools are closer to only 80%. For students that will be going on to higher levels of education such as college or graduate school, this is an important stepping stone in getting to that destination.

Strelitz International Academy is one of the best affordable private schools in Hampton Roads. We are an International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate school, which means we focus on personal and academic growth, challenging students to excel in their studies and their personal development. We invite you to contact us for additional information on how we are transforming students into successful and positive citizens of the world.