The themes seen in class are generally based on the calendar and holidays traditionally celebrated in Canada.

A new theme is introduced each month. Through these themes, activities are developed to explore verbal expression, initiation to mathematics, science, reading, handwriting, drawing, art and physical education...

Some of the themes seen in the past including the four seasons, professions/trades, Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving, Christmas here and elsewhere, Hanukka, Chinese New Year, the ocean, flowers, insects, farm animals, zoo animals, dinosaurs, the circus, etc...

The themes are selected at the beginning of the school year.

Circle time: It is a time to socialize and learn new words and concepts related to specific themes. He/she will learn about weather, how to count, develop spatial and temporal orientations, share important events in his/her life, learn to listen and take turns, to speak in front of others.

Drama: The “dress up”, “house”, or “village” corner allows the re-creation of   daily events in Mommy and Daddy’s lives and gives the child a chance to play familiar and imaginary roles alone or with others.

Painting center: To help develop his/her artistic sense, to discover colours,express
ideas and develop fine motor skills of arms and hands.

Building center: Introduce  concepts of balance, size and weight, as well as cooperation with others.  Vocabulary pertaining to spacial orientation and an introduction to mathematical concepts. An excellent tool for improving fine motor skills.

Water/sand tables: To discover the properties of sand and water through games. Also an occasion to socialize with others, to learn to take turns and to share.

Book center: To discover books. The child has the opportunity to be alone or to join others and share a quiet time.

Table Games:

* Puzzles: to develop hand/eye coordination, fine motor skills and spatial awareness.

* Playdough: to exercise the muscles in the hand and fingers, create 3 dimensional objects and to develop creativity.

* Classification games: to practice concepts of classification. To develop a sense of logic. It’s an excellent preparation for mathematics.

* Sensory games: to use five senses in a variety of games.

Arts & Craft activities:    A variety of arts and craft activities, both free and sturctured are offered enabling the child to use vocabulary related to a spedific theme, develop fine motor control, use imagination and creativity whether working alone or with others. The child will use a wide variety of materials and different techniques. Each child will receive encouragement because we want him to be proud of his accomplishment regardless of the end result.

Language activities: To develop vocabulary while describing a situation, singing, repeating sentences, expressions. Development of concentration, and memory.

Motor activities: To learn to control movements in a defined space, learn to respect other children’s space and develop overall motor coordination. Cooperation in a team environment is introduced.

Snacktime: a time to relax, socialize with peers and a time to share. Teachers use this opportunity to check messages/communications  brought from home in their binders.

Songs & Music: To develop  vocabulary and a sense of rhythm through the use of different percussion instruments, song, dance, rhymes and sound games. It is also a method of relaxation and an occasion to discover different types of music and develop an appreciation for music.

Show & Tell: Your child will have the opportunity to bring a toy or other object from home and talk about it’s history, why, when etc. to the class.  This helps shy children learn to express themselves and gives the others the opportunity to get to learn more about their class mates and show respect when others are speaking. A schedule will be made up and you will receive a copy. Please mark the date on your calendar.

Special Activities: The program is augmented with special workshops like body awareness, science, african percussion, field trips etc. The cost for most of these extra activities is covered, from time to time a small fee and/or parent participation will be requested.

“Paul et Suzane”:  This program has existed since 1997 and Trottin-Trottinette was one of the first preschools to participate. It consists of short stories told using simple vocabulary presented in a large book with simple illustrations. The children identify with the two main characters.  Each time a story is read in class the student returns home with  a photocopy to help reinforce the new vocabulary. There are also videos to help enrich the program. This program is used primarily in the 3 yo class.

During these activities, the child will learn socialization skills in a group,  and to respect others at play and at work. All the activities mentionned above form the foundation of teaching at Trottin-Trottinette. All the activities are available to the child. They will be done as a group or on an individual basis. A certain amount of flexibility must be allowed in order to make the experience a fulfilling, positive and enriching one for the child.