Curriculum
Science • Music • Culture • Art • NatureAt Ryozan Park, we believe in learning through play. We offer a diverse program rich in music, art, science, mathematics, and nature explored through song, dance, crafts, stories and the outdoors.
We do not adhere to any specific doctrine such as Montessori or Reggio Emelia, although our teachers are familiar with these methods. Instead, our program has been specially developed with English content in a Japanese structure to facilitate a smooth transition into the Japanese kindergarten classroom. We use a scientifically tested American curriculum called Mother Goose Time along with many original activities. We also enjoy celebrating Japanese holidays and customs, and often those of our teachers’ and students’ home countries.
Our Mission
To raise independent, curious, kind, robust kids in a fun, safe and loving space.
Learning Outcomes
Development of self-direction and social relationships
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Strengthening of gross and fine motor skills and spatial awareness
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Development of listening, communication and critical-thinking skills
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Recognition of numbers, shapes and letters
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Appreciation of international cultures and environments
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Cultivation of creativity and expression through art, music, drama and dance
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Establishment of knowledge and relationship with the outdoors and natural world
A Few Words from Margaret
“… curriculum development is a field of study; lesson plans need to be tested and scientifically validated; and quality resources and materials yield better results for children.”
“My mother studied for her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in Bilingual Education when I was in elementary school. I remember thinking how lucky we were to go with her to the office and play with all these awesome learning toys while she studied. What I’ve learnt from writing curricula, training teachers and teaching young learners in a variety of environments is that: curriculum development is a field of study; lesson plans need to be tested and scientifically validated; and quality resources and materials yield better results for children. Following extensive research, I chose Mother Goose Time for RYOZAN PARK Preschool to ensure quality activities and learning experiences for your children.”
Margaret Reid
Co-founder of Ryozan Park Preschool
What is Mother Goose Time?
Mother Goose Time is a scientifically tested preschool program that integrates multi-modal learning with a play-based focus. Literacy, art, music, and science-aligned activities all complement a program based on folktales and nursery rhymes your child will love.
Children construct knowledge through everyday experiences. The tools we use from Mother Goose Time will help extend their learning as they explore the classroom, community and beautiful, diverse world around them.
As children get involved and participate in our activities they organically grow in many areas: Social & Emotional, Physical, Mathematics & Reasoning, Language and Literacy, Social Studies, Science, Creative development. In addition to a daily curriculum plans, MGT has specialised programs for weekly dance [DanceNBeats], STEAM centers, and open-ended art [Invitations to Create].
2018-19 Program
April • May • June
Learning Classroom Routine
(No Curriculum)
Playtime
Engaging in the classroom, learning how to use school toys, walking to the park and exploring Otsuka
Snack & Lunch time
Simple table manners, independent eating, and healthy food choices
Toilet time
Changing clothes and diapers
Nap time
Quietly preparing for sleep
July • August • September
My Body Theme
About Me
Head, Arms, Legs, Hands & Feet
Five Senses
Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch & Smell
Clothing
Shirts, Pants, Hats, Coats, Shoes & Socks
Staying Healthy
Washing Hands, Protecting Your Body, Sleep, Brushing your teeth, Exercise
We explored body parts, experimented with the five senses, and designed clothing. Children also loved learning 8 original dances about body movement.
September • October • November
Weather & Seasons
Weather
Sun, Wind, Clouds, Snow, Rainbows
Seasons
Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring & Seasonal Clothing
Changes
Changing Leaves, Daylight & Darkness, Hibernation, Migration
We learned about day to day weather and how it shapes and affects our daily experiences, that each season brings change and investigated the concept of change itself. Children enjoyed new music about the weather including song titles like Tornado, Drip Drop Rain, and Migrate.
