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Under the Tree Reading Program

Where’s a better place to read than under a tree? The bright sun reflecting off the colorful leaves, providing a safe and secure place to explore into the world of discovery. Its branches sway gently in the wind as a child’s imagination drifts into the adventures of Bambi and the Under the Sea creatures and many other classical storybook characters. As a child enjoys reading about the journeys of others, they also begin a journey into life-long learning and literacy.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, “the single most important activity for building the knowledge required for success is reading,” and the GBT Children’s Academy supports America’s efforts to holistically develop the children of the future. Oral and visual literacy are essential in the early years of life. Therefore, reading great literature with children at all ages is a necessary practice in every childcare program, particularly at the GBT Children’s Academy.

Our curriculum’s emphasis is on developing the whole child with a strong concentration on language and literacy skills. Our Under the Tree reading program encourages children ages six weeks to six years to indulge themselves in the love of books. As a part of our daily routines, each age group will sit in a literacy learning center or under the tree, which is a vividly colored illustration painted on the wall in center of the toddler area. They will be immersed in literacy through phonemic awareness, phonics, print awareness, vocabulary and other literacy skills. Stories will reflect themes while addressing key concepts such as colors, numbers, rhymes and patterns.