Early Years 3 Goes on a Bear Hunt

Posted on Thursday November 16 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

Early Years 3 students at Strelitz International Academy gathered their binoculars and maps and went on their very own bear hunt! In Morah Lavette Ricks’ class, students were inspired by the story “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen and expressed how they would like to go on a bear hunt at their school. On November 7, 2023, Ricks brought the story to life and created the experience for her students right in the Early Years hallway.

mud themed sensory table in school — Early Years 3 students and teacher Lavette Ricks explore a “mud” themed sensory table to find and count bears.

To start this engaging lesson, Ricks introduced the story to her students, as well as the adapted song version sung by The Kiboomers. Because the text is predictable and the rhythm is catchy, the students developed creative-thinking skills to dramatize the story over a few days. As a class, Ricks focused on the prepositions in the story, such as over, under, and through. Next, the students used critical thinking skills to list what they might need in each scenario. As a class, they analyzed the list and started preparing. Each child designed their own binoculars and special map to navigate to the cave. The maps included the elements mentioned in the story, such as tall, wavy grass, a big river, mud, and their end location: a cave.

Outside of the classroom, Ricks set up each site. The first scene was tall, wavy grass. The students enjoyed a sensory experience of pushing through green streamers. Next, there was a big river, and with the help of blue streamers, students had to “swim” their way through. There were even some stuffed animal friends who joined them on their courageous journey! The third obstacle was mud. To create this scene, Ricks used a sensory table and brown paper, which hid colorful Baby Bear Counters. As students sorted through the “mud,” they counted and collected the bears they found, which tied in with their math skills. And finally, what is a bear hunt without a bear? Students made their way to a “dark cave,” and inside were two stuffed bears! Just like the story, the kids spotted the bears and ran all the way back to their classroom.

At Strelitz International Academy, our mentality is teaching students to go beyond the book. It starts in our Early Years program and will follow them throughout their educational journey. We hope our EY3 students inspire you to grab your map and binoculars and create a bear hunt of your own! Schedule a visit!

Who We Are Today in the Primary Years General Studies?

Posted on Monday November 6 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

The story of Who We Are in Primary Years General Studies at Strelitz International Academy is truly an interesting one. From Multiple Intelligences and Understanding by Design to Inquiry, our general studies curriculum has always been designed to educate our students as individual active learners based on the research of best educational practices. During our journey to discover Who We Are over the last decade, our young scholars have had the opportunity to participate in our Innovation Celebrations and Tiger Games. Caine’s Arcade inspired students to create their own. One year, they raced boats made from recycled items and cardboard boxes across the JCC pool. In other years, students designed marble runs and Rube Goldberg machines. With the individual learner at the forefront, our international baccalaureate curriculum model shifted to Project Based Learning. Student engagement continued to exceed expectations and was evident when grade levels collaborated to create an outdoor learning space.

Today, Strelitz International Academy boasts of being the first IB® Primary Years Program in Hampton Roads. The Primary Years general studies at SIA refer to the core subjects of mathematics, language arts, and social sciences, along with specialties in music and art, physical education, library, and technology taught in our kindergarten through 5th-grade classes. The learning environment we have constructed naturally lends itself to the core values of our school and the IB® Learner Profile Traits. Our general studies curriculum is designed to nurture holistic development in young learners and can be expanded as we grow as an IB® PYP World School. Our course objectives promote inquiry-based learning, where our young scholars explore, question, and construct their understanding of the world around them. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and student agency (self-awareness and independence). Inquiry in an IB® PYP World School is not just a teaching method; it’s a way of thinking and acting while developing international-mindedness and using foundational skills for real-world problem-solving and discovery.

Our students thrive in our transdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. General studies teachers of core subjects and specialties also collaborate with Judaics Studies and Hebrew teachers to bring meaningful learning experiences into the classroom. Our students extend their understanding of single-subject objectives through activities in their Units of Inquiry, hands-on discovery, community outreach, our STEM Olympics, and our PYP Exhibition.

Walking into one of our general studies classrooms, you will see students researching, creating, and exploring broad concepts with a global lens. SIA teachers are facilitators of learning and encourage student curiosity while ensuring they have foundations in core subject areas. Our accomplished faculty respects the individual learning styles of all our scholars and helps them discover who they are as they become confident in their interests and skills.

To learn more about how we mold the next generation of international learners, contact us about our IB Early Years curriculum, Primary Years Program, and more!

Strelitz International Academy Back to School

Posted on Friday October 6 , 2023 by Ally St. Pierre

Strelitz International Academy welcomed the new school year with open arms and smiling faces. The school’s entryway has been reimagined with a beautiful IBⓇ-themed mural, and new toddler classrooms, adding to the excitement of the new school year.

Students from all grades returned back to SIA on August 18, 2023, for the annual Meet and Greet. Students had the opportunity to meet their new teachers and classmates drop off supplies in their new classrooms and end the day with a sweet Kona Ice treat. Parents could ask questions about the upcoming school year and what they can expect. The morale was high, and everyone looked forward to the first day of school.

On Monday morning, August 21, 2023, a red carpet led to the front door of the building. Students were thrilled about what the day would bring. It was a wonderful day, filled with engaging lessons, reuniting friends, and bonding with new ones. The school’s faculty and staff received wonderful feedback from parents and students, as students left school with positive attitudes.

Jamie Baker during SIA’s annual school supplies for the new school year. Meet and Greet.

Fifth-grade student Sylvie Lomogda with her Kindergarten student Alexa Kass with her new teacher.

SIA is excited about what the new school year will bring, as Heather Moore, Head of School, launched a new podcast called S.I.A.: The Podcast. This podcast focuses on thoughtful and inspiring topics around parenting and educational programming in IBⓇ PYP schools like ours. You can check out the podcast at www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org/podcast.

Additionally, SIA is creating a quarterly magazine that will be available both in hard copy and digital format. The Strelitz magazine will feature articles about events happening at the school and what students are learning.

At Strelitz International Academy, there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing our students thrive and succeed under our guidance. One of the most important aspects of teaching is fostering a learning environment that encourages academic and personal growth—that is why we lead Virginia as one of the top IBⓇ Program elementary schools. By providing students with the tools they need to succeed and supporting them every step of the way, we can help them reach their full potential. Let’s make this the best school year yet, filled with laughter, learning, and growth!

Looking for ‘Jewish schools near me?’ Schedule a visit with us and see why we make our next generation’s leaders brighter.

Exploring the Difference Between IB® School and Regular School

Posted on Friday October 6 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

As a parent, do you often find yourselves at a crossroads trying to determine the best academic path for your child? From private to public schools, your chosen institution will have a lasting effect on your child’s development and future.

Beyond the typical private school, modern parents have been deciding whether to enroll their child in an International Baccalaureate (IB®) primary school instead of a traditional school. But what’s the difference?

IB® Schools

International Baccalaureate (IB®) schools revolve around a New Age way of teaching. These schools naturally employ the IB® curriculum, which isn’t solely focused on good grades as a performance metric. It’s about developing the whole child, becoming curious learners for life. The IB® philosophy strongly cares about academics and just as much about critical thinking, global interconnectedness, and making a societal impact.

Virginia Beach private schools like Strelitz International Academy use the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to build the foundation for learning. Instead of solely memorizing information, this program encourages kids to ask meaningful questions and explore the world around them. They learn that all subjects are an intricate web of information, genuinely digesting how academic lessons relate to the real world.

Conventional Schools

Let’s talk about “regular schools”—the kind most of us grew up with. They take a more traditional approach to teaching. These schools usually follow the curriculum set by their local education sectors, and their main focus is on core subjects like Math, Science, History, and English. While regular schools definitely give a solid academic start, they might not put as much emphasis on growing in outside-the-box ways or understanding the world globally as IB® schools do.

The Differences Between the Two

1. How They Teach

IB® schools want students to be curious and ask questions. They let kids explore topics that interest them and realize their interconnected nature. Regular schools usually stick to a set curriculum decided by local education boards.

2. Seeing the World

IB® elementary schools near Norfolk, VA, want students to think about the whole world. They teach about different cultures and ideas to help students become open-minded and empathetic leaders. Regular schools might not spend as much time on this global perspective—a trait that should be more important than ever.

3. How You Learn

IB® schools focus on teaching you how to think critically and solve problems independently. Regular schools might spend more time making you memorize facts and taking standardized tests. The information may not “stick” when students are expected to score well.

4. Complete Growth

IB® schools encourage growth in every single aspect. They care about your emotions, how you get along with others, and your values—all the essential interworkings of a person. Without the in-depth, transdisciplinary curricula of the IB®, regular schools are more surface-level; they mainly focus on academic performance.

5. Subjects and Connections

In IB® schools, different subjects come together like puzzle pieces. You see how science can connect with history, for example. In regular schools, topics are often taught separately.

Learn with Strelitz International Baccalaureate Academy

The IB® PYP framework extends its influence outside the classroom setting. As students embrace their roles as inquirers, our budding scholars understand that what they learn in the classroom mirrors the world. With strong support and dedication from the broader community, our students cultivate their passions and talents, nurturing a strong self-assurance as they explore their role in the global landscape.

To see why Strelitz is one of the best private elementary schools near Chesapeake,mail us csimon@strelitzacademy.org or call us at 757-424-4327 to schedule your tour.

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.

The International Baccalaureate Approach to Learning in Preschool and Kindergarten

Posted on Wednesday May 31 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

Since 2020, cultivating early childhood education to adapt to a global future has been more critical than ever. After all, how we teach plays a vital role in the child’s development. The International Baccalaureate (IB®) approach has gained worldwide recognition for its comprehensive and holistic framework, which propels students on a brighter path toward adulthood. Let’s explore the benefits of the IB® program in IB® elementary schools and highlight its key principles, application, and strategies for implementing the next generation of world leaders.

Understanding the IB® Approach

The International Baccalaureate program is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and hyperfocus on creating globally-minded individuals. In preschool and kindergarten, the IB® methodology extends these values to young learners, nurturing a love for learning, inquiry-based thinking, and the evolution of a solid skillset.

IB® Principles:

Inquiry-Based Learning

IB® encourages children to participate dynamically in their education through curiosity, asking questions, and embracing special interests. IB® students enforce valuable critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world they live in.

Incorporating Play

Play is at the heart of early childhood development, and the IB® program understands this all too well. Preschool and kindergarten classrooms that engage in purposeful play can realize a wealth of opportunities for creativity, social skills, and problem-solving.

Holistic Development

Holistic development involves the child’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional aspects. It prioritizes the interconnectedness of these areas to model a well-rounded education and healthy well-being.

Transdisciplinary Learning

The IB® curriculum uplifts children to use their knowledge and skills across various subject areas. This means that students can carry the lessons learned from one subject into another discipline, solving problems through transdisciplinary activities, connections, and understanding concepts more clearly.

IB® Benefits For Preschoolers and Kindergartners

Choosing the IB® path versus the conventional model opens the door to a range of possibilities that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. When schools use this model, they create active members of society who contribute to our workforce and lead productive, fulfilling lives.

A Love For Learning

Education can be just as engaging and interesting as it is informative. Through instilling independent thinking and individuality, the IB® program allows children the freedom to love learning. The approach will enable students to find their respective paths and absorb complicated topics in a controlled and easy manner. The result is a positive attitude toward education and the stimulation of all areas of development.

Advanced Critical Thinking Skills

IB® highlights the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills from an early age. The inquiry-based learning style pushes the potential of the brain to analyze and retain information, ask meaningful questions, and master logical reasoning abilities.

Cultural Awareness and Global Understanding

John Nicholls of the Bilingual European School in Italy states, “The beauty of the IB® is that it’s a global education community. All schools around the world face the same challenges, enjoy the same benefits, and can connect with one another.” This represents the IB®’s core value, global-mindedness, which realizes the interconnectedness of people within all cultures. The program implements the exploration of different cultures, languages, and perspectives and fosters empathy, tolerance, and appreciation for diversity in every classroom.

Strong Social and Emotional Skills

Social and emotional intelligence are two sides of the same coin that contribute to developmental success. Preschool and kindergarten learners participate in collaborative activities, use communication tactics, and build positive and fulfilling relationships with their teachers and peers.

How IB® is Implemented in Preschool and Kindergarten Classrooms

Teachers Become Facilitators

With an IB® state of mind, teachers lead in facilitating the classroom. They guide preschoolers and kindergarteners through their unique learning experiences, pose lucrative opportunities and questions, and create an inclusive, supportive environment that encourages experimentation and discovery.

Children Choose Their Paths

Young IB® students take ownership of their self-discovery and learning transformation with their school’s guidance. Teachers can facilitate learning by equipping children with the right resources and advice that appeal to their interests and concerns.

Play-Based Environments

Preschoolers and kindergartners can learn and memorize concepts while developing social and motor skills by experiencing crafts, fun learning activities, and singsongy lessons. Art and gym classes are excellent environments to express creativity and boost physical activity in fun and meaningful ways. Students also deserve a break to unwind and recollect themselves during the school day, like lunch and recess.

Collaborative Learning

IB® classrooms need to focus not only on the individual but also on the collective group. Likewise, a child can only properly metamorphose if participating with other students during learning activities. This can include team exercises like group storytelling, obstacle courses, and building block games.

Alternative Testing

Moving beyond the norm of traditional assessment, IB® classrooms focus on authentic ways to evaluate children’s educational progress. Observation, milestone tracking, and portfolios are all stellar ways to give a detailed overview of the child’s growth, achievements, strengths, and areas of improvement.

Strelitz International Academy: A Premier IB School

Strelitz International Academy (SIA) is not only a top IB® elementary school—it’s an acclaimed Jewish day school in Virginia Beach. We follow suit in IB’s mission to do more than the average curriculum through cultural interconnectedness.

Our vision is centered on educating the whole child. Our mission is performed through our dynamic Jewish environment, where we enrich children’s lives and develop compassionate, lifelong learners. By collaborating with our families and the greater community, we promote a social and global consciousness that encompasses a profound respect for all humanity.

The IB® program allows children to forge their own learning paths and find the skills and confidence they need to make a global difference. From the IB®’s word of mouth, it “empowers teachers as the architects of learning excellence, working alongside engaged colleagues in a rewarding career supported by a strong global network. And it brings schools a strong reputation for successful outcomes that uplift the whole community.”

Together we can create a rich and fulfilling learning environment for our kindergartners and preschoolers. Read more about how you can send your child to the IB® program and learn how we shape the leading minds of the next generation. Schedule a visit with us to see how we implement it.

The Valuable Benefits of the IB® Program in Schools

Posted on Monday May 1 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

The International Baccalaureate ® (IB) program is a globally esteemed educational framework designed to foster growth in students through cognitive, functional, and behavioral learning. Created to help students adapt to an ever-changing world, the IB® program is offered at all levels of education, from primary to secondary. It is regarded for its rigorous academic standards, focus on critical thinking, and commitment to developing well-rounded, pinnacle global citizens.

Strelitz International Academy (SIA) is an IB® program elementary school in Virginia Beach devoted to upholding IB values with its stimulating courses to inspire current and future young minds. Let’s explore some of the ways IB is transforming schools everywhere.

Benefits of the IB Program in Schools

1. International Mindfulness

International Mindedness is a core overarching concept in the IB® curriculum related to developing an awareness and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives. Intercultural understanding, global engagement, and multilingualism are all fundamentals learned to recognize the interconnectedness of global issues.

By studying a broad range of subjects and engaging in interdisciplinary projects, IB® students learn to think critically about the world around them and realize how their actions can impact others. This is especially important in today’s globalized society, where cultural sensitivity and intercultural competence are becoming increasingly essential.

2. High Academic Standards

The IB® program is widely recognized for its high academic standards and rigorous criteria. It is designed to prepare students for university-level studies, with varying assessments and final examinations in each subject. IB® students are required to study a broad range of topics, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Examinations are reviewed by an international board of examiners, who are expertly trained and monitored by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Additionally, IB® students are expected to engage in independent research to heighten their critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of information. IB® elementary schools train children to prepare for higher education and the challenges of the modern workforce.

3. Holistic Education

Another key feature and benefit of the IB program is its holistic approach to education. Instead of focusing on the core competencies and “soft skills” of basic subjects, IB® students are encouraged to think outside the box and evolve their personal, social, and emotional skills.

Likewise, students engage in extracurricular activities like sports, arts, clubs, and community service to mature their leadership, teamwork, and social skills. This balanced approach tackles every major aspect from all angles, forming intelligent life perspectives and securing their futures as responsible citizens.

4. University Recognition

In almost every country worldwide, the IB® curriculum is known as excellent preparation for university. Being renowned around the world opens the door for students to explore academic and employment opportunities abroad in the future, as IB® is recognized as a post-16 qualification by employers.

Students who have IB® under their belts maintain the advantage because top universities often prefer them due to their articulate academic preparation and ability to think rationally and independently. Also, they are repeatedly given advanced standing or credit for university-level courses, which propel them to graduate more quickly—saving tuition money in return.

5. Career Preparation

IB® serves as a pathway to employment for students joining the 21st-century workforce. In a world where life places complex demands on graduates seeking work opportunities, the IB® program enables students to become self-confident, skilled, and career-ready learners.

When children join IB® elementary schools, they become future business leaders, lawyers, scientists, artists, and beyond. Children learn the skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing job market and master quick thinking, leadership, careful decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. On top of that, they discover the importance of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, which are all too desirable in today’s economy.

6. Personal Development

Most importantly, implementing the IB® program in schools allows students to be the best version of themselves. It is engineered to focus on the individual’s unique needs, teaching them to become responsible and compassionate members of their communities. IB® is different because it aims to do more than average curricula. It shapes brilliant minds who hunger for knowledge and excellence. It conceives empathetic people who take action on global issues to make a change for the better.

This focus on personal development guides IB® students to become more self-aware, confident, and resilient and to establish a strong sense of personal values and ethics. Lastly, it embraces their full potential to become future leaders in a diverse world.

As an IB World School, We Make a Difference.

Strelitz International Academy cultivates a cross-cultural understanding of interconnectedness. With our deep knowledge of global issues, multiple perspectives, and the ability to communicate effectively to all communities, we instill our wisdom in our students to thrive and make a difference. Our IB® elementary school in Virginia Beach, Virginia, prepares children from toddler to primary with a strategic learning path in Judaic studies, developmental skills, technology, and so much more.

Interested to see how our IB® program makes a positive impact? We invite you to tour our campus and unearth why we are one of Virginia’s leading IB® primary schools! Call us at 757-424-4327 to get started.z

5 Wonderful Reading Suggestions for Preschoolers in 2023

Posted on Tuesday February 28 , 2023 by Strelitz International Academy

On a scale of one to ten, how much does your child love books? Whether your preschooler is a bookworm or not, studies show reading to children as young as nine months can accelerate childhood development. Finding a book that introduces pre-reading skills like numbers and sounds is one of the best ways to ease children into formal reading instruction.

From The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Goodnight Moon, there are a few staples we read to children time and time again. Seeking something new and enriching for every kind of reading taste? At Strelitz Academy, one of Virginia’s top IB PYP schools in Norfolk, we list the five best reading suggestions that stimulate learning and growth in 2023. Let’s take a look!

Before We Dive In, Here Are A Few Things To Consider

Choosing the perfect book for your child depends on multiple factors. If your book checks off the following boxes, it’s golden:

Is the book engaging? Great characters and a fun, cohesive storyline pique a child’s interest.
Does it appeal to my child’s attention span? To attract a child’s attention, it must be child-friendly. Short dialogue and simple word choice help your preschooler travel from cover to cover.
Does it match my child’s interests? For example, your basketball-loving child isn’t going to enjoy a book on ballerinas. Choose something you think they will enjoy!

Best New Books for Preschoolers

This year’s top reading selection is more educative and engaging than ever, from catchy rhymes to tall tales.

“Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes,” By James Dean and Eric Litwin

“Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes” is a popular book about a cat walking down the street wearing brand-new white shoes. His shoes change from white to all kinds of funky colors and feelings as he steps in different messes along the way. Despite it all, his attitude remains positive while he sings his tune. This singsong story is an excellent way to teach children ages 3 to 7 to experience change with a positive mindset.

“My First Book of Planets: All About the Solar System for Kids,” By Bruce Betts, PhD

Want to show your child the wonders of astronomy? This is the perfect book for introducing preschoolers to the solar system. Ages 3-5 learn science-driven facts about the eight planets and their size, distance from the sun, surface conditions, moons, and more! The author has a Ph.D. in planetary science but can write in a fun and understandable way for kids.

“Big Preschool,” By School Zone

Looking for practice problems your child can take on during the summer? This workbook contains 320 pages of pre-writing skills, alphabet, colors, shapes, following directions, numbers and early math, and more. This book combines reading comprehension, strategy, and memory retention with easy to advanced concepts, fun illustrations, and an award certificate upon completion. Motivate your preschooler to complete these practice problems during their free time to advance their knowledge and prepare them for school.

“How To Catch A Unicorn,” By Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton

Brought to you by the New York Times Bestselling team, this picture book combines elusive imagery, STEAM concepts, stimulating puzzles, and fun rhymes to delight children, parents, and educators alike. Start your child’s mornings or end the day with this colorful and upbeat book that allows them to use their brains to solve complex, kid-friendly problems. The pages are filled with all kinds of different animals that your child can point at and admire.

“P Is for Pterodactyl: The Worst Alphabet Book Ever,” By Raj Halder, Chris Carpenter, and Maria Beddia

Don’t judge a book by its cover—this New York Times bestseller teaches the complicated subject of phonetics to children ages 3 to 10. This book brings preschoolers through a “raucous trip through the odd corners of the alphabet” by introducing words with silent letters like “aisle” and “gnat.” This whimsical book demonstrates a comedic take on the English alphabet by listing these more complex words and their pronunciations.

Ready To Kickstart Your Preschooler’s Reading Adventure?

Strelitz International Academy (SIA) is one of Virginia’s best affordable private schools in Chesapeake— setting up children from infant to primary with the education to succeed. With our Early Years Program, children ages 2 to 4 walk through various global, transdisciplinary themes as part of our IB World School curriculum. Our 10 to 12-month comprehensive program explores early reading practices and other learning modalities, development areas, language arts skills, Judaic education, and more.

To learn more about how Strelitz International Academy can help your child grow and excel intellectually, please get in touch with Carin Simon, Admissions Director, at 757 424-4327.

Why Should You Send Your Child to the IB Program?

Posted on Tuesday November 8 , 2022 by Strelitz International Academy

Any parent preparing to send their child to school is likely overwhelmed by the various choices available. Should they go to public school? A private school? Home school? What is best for their development? One popular program that parents select is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). This program is designed to form the foundation of your child’s academic, social, and mental development in a transdisciplinary manner. Strelitz International Academy is an IB primary school in Virginia Beach that is dedicated to the lifelong success of your child. We believe that the IB program is beneficial for your child, so let us tell you why.

What is the IB World School Primary Years Program?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Primary Years Programme (PYP) is a program developed for children between the ages of 3 and 12. This program is related to a specific teaching/learning style meant to create a diverse and inclusive community of students. In the program, students discover agency through an inquiry-based approach to learning. Additionally, students are encouraged to form global connections and appreciate their fellow students and peers. Children develop academically and emotionally through this unique framework of knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes, and actions.

Why is the IB World School Primary Years Program Beneficial?

The IB Primary Years Programme is proven to be a challenging yet rewarding program for students to participate in. Many parents want to provide the best education possible for their children, and many choose the program because of its many benefits. With more rigorous academic requirements, artistic outlets, better resources, individualized approaches, and enriching programs, your child is more likely to develop a well-rounded educational foundation. Because of this, children in the PYP learn to be critical thinkers, adequately prepare for higher education, participate in an internationally-recognized program, and experience a holistic approach to childhood development.

Students Learn to be Critical Thinkers

One of the first things students learn in the IB program is the importance of independence and critical thinking. Because governmental restrictions do not direct the IB Program, students can access various philosophies, ideas, and theories. This process allows them to expand their worldview and think critically about situations and experiences. In addition, students are encouraged to explore their interests and learn about them in a healthy and productive environment. By developing these critical thinking and problem-solving skills early, students have the tools to succeed in later education and the work environment.

Adequately Prepared for Higher Education

Because of the multicultural and diverse environment of the IB program, students are prepared academically and socially for the next step in education. Students who graduate from the IB PYP program are successful in their middle school, high school, college, and work-life environments because they have access to a broad range of knowledge and skills developed throughout their education. In addition, studies have shown that students who attend an IB PYP school score higher in math, literacy, reading, and writing tests.

Internationally-Recognized Program

Another benefit of sending your child to the IB program is the internationally-recognized education. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme is globally recognized by universities and colleges worldwide. In order to become an International Baccalaureate World School, the school must undergo a rigorous accreditation process. This process and subsequent accreditation ensure parents that their children are receiving a quality education. Similarly, this international recognition opens doors to a host of opportunities that students may otherwise not receive.

Provides Overall Childhood Development

In addition to the high standard of education, students attending an IB World School are encouraged to participate in other activities in and out of school. This can include sports, the arts, language development, volunteering, etc. So, not only do students thrive in academic environments, but they also thrive in physical, spiritual, and personal spaces. Outside of the classroom, IB schools place more of an emphasis on community engagement and the students’ spiritual and emotional development. Respect and dedication to the overall development of students are rarely found in other schools. For this reason, many students go on to become successful in all areas of their lives once they have completed the Primary Years Programme.

Strelitz International Academy—An IB Primary School in Virginia Beach

Are you looking for an IB elementary school in Chesapeake, Norfolk, or Virginia Beach? Strelitz International Academy is the solution you have been searching for. Our teachers, staff, and faculty, are dedicated to providing your child with the necessary skills they need to succeed. Plus, our well-rounded curriculum embraces the cultural differences that exist in our world and works to help students form an appreciation of these differences. Through our transdisciplinary approach to learning, our students become successful members of society that think critically and problem-solve.

Learn more about the IB Primary Years Program at Strelitz International Academy, or speak with the Director of Admissions and schedule a tour today by calling us at 757-424-4327.

Most Significant Long-Term Advantages of Preschool Programs

Posted on Wednesday June 29 , 2022 by Carin Simon

Teacher and students in a preschool classroom

As a parent, you are dedicated to the long-term success of your child. You want them to thrive and become active members of the community at large. To set them up for success, it is important that you provide them with a quality education.

Strelitz International Academy is a private preschool near Virginia Beach that is dedicated to setting your child up for success in school and beyond. Our program is designed to have long-term advantages on your child’s life. Sounds too good to be true? Allow us to explain.

High-Quality Programs Have Lasting Effects

When discussing the long-term advantages of preschool programs, it is important to note that all evidence provided relates to the effectiveness of high-quality programs. But what makes a preschool program high-quality?

High-quality programs allow children to initiate their own learning activities, and create an environment in which children feel safe, secure, and loved. This includes kind and caring teachers, involved parents, an adaptive curriculum driven by the child, and developmentally appropriate activities. With this understanding, children are able to develop and thrive intellectually, socially, and physically.

Long-Term Advantages of a High-Quality Program

Now that you have a better understanding of the type of program that provides advantages, let’s take a look at the advantages themselves. The long-term benefits of a high-quality program can be split into two main categories—school performance and social integration.

Higher School Performance

According to a study performed by MIT College of Economics, children that attend high-quality preschool programs are more likely to graduate high school, more likely to take the SAT, and more likely to enroll in college.

Due to the nature of these programs, children develop a stronger connection and appreciation for education and the school system. This appreciation follows them through their primary school years and continues through their secondary school years and beyond.

Better Integration Into the Community

In the same study, students that attended a high-quality preschool had fewer school suspensions in high school and were less likely to experience juvenile incarceration. In addition, these advantages can increase in later life in regards to overall income, health, and life.

According to another study by the National Bureau of Economic Research “Other important sources of benefit from the program are gains in parental income while participants are young, gains in later-life income, and decreases in criminal activity. The study finds an overall benefit-cost ratio of 3.2:1 and an internal rate of return of 11 percent.

When decomposed by gender, the results are much stronger for males because the main benefits are reduced criminal activity and improved health, both of which show stronger effects for males.”

A High-Quality Program—International Baccalaureate

One of the high-quality programs available to students in the United States is the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School program. The IB program allows students to drive their own learning experience, think critically, solve problems, become more culturally aware, and engage with a diverse community.

While the IB program is not currently available for preschool students, Strelitz International Academy (SIA) utilizes the same teaching style with its preschool children. By taking a similar approach to learning, preschool students at SIA are provided a high-quality program and prepared to take on our IB elementary program in Virginia Beach.

High-Quality Private Preschool Near Virginia Beach

Strelitz International Academy offers private pre-k programs in Virginia Beach. Our students are set up for success from the very beginning of their education journey. We take on a proactive teaching role in your child’s life, guiding them towards educational rigor, emotional development, and community engagement.

Students that attend SIA go on to attend rigorous programs in high school and beyond. Our well-rounded curriculum strives to impact your children and help them thrive in the world outside of school. Are you ready to increase your child’s long-term success? Speak with the Director of Admissions and schedule a tour today by calling us at 757-424-4327.