Friday, October 9, 2015

Visit to Mis Primeros Pasos

Today we visited two of the early childhood development centers of Mis Primeros Pasos. These centers are actively directed by the Genesis Foundation to provide early childhood education and comprehensive care for children ages 0 to 5 years old.

The method used in the programs encourages children to decide which character or role they will study for a 3-month period and at the end of the 3-months, they present what they have learned to their parents. During these 3 months, they learn everything about the character and in doing so, they read books about the character, create anything related to the character. When a the 3-month program is completed, they start another program.  Today was the final presentation day - we were lucky to be there today for their final shows.  We saw:

Bakers:
They learned how to make their own kitchen, play cupcakes and breads and how to sell what they made. One of the children's parents is a baker so they went to an actual bakery to see how bread is made.

Circus Performers:
Their room was turned into a "big tent" and each child had a role to perform - a lion tamer, an acrobat, a juggler and the ring master.

Musicians and Dancers:
Several children had instruments they made, including violins, maracas and microphones. The other children performed a dance traditional to the region.


Firemen:
They were all dressed as firemen, reciting what to do in an emergency, and warnings such as not to play with matches.  Also a very cute song and dance.



Ice Cream Vendors:
Each child had his own ice cream cart and was selling pretend ice cream to all visitors. Their room was turned into an ice cream shop and the children were selling ice cream from behind the counter.


Today was really an amazing day.....It was so fun to see the children of the Mis Primeros Pasos program - they are happy and enjoying life at the center.  It is evident to me that the Genesis Foundation has worked really hard to provide a good early childhood educational experience for so many children - they are actually doing what they say they are doing. 




No comments:

Post a Comment