Our Curriculum

At Growing Years we have a four-pronged approach to learning which includes: Growing Years Academic Curriculum, Peddlesfoots Character Education Curriculum, Building Christian Principles, and Music for Munchkins.

Growing Years Fundamentals

Research theorists and educators agree that any relevant curriculum needs to be based on children’s needs, learning styles, developmental levels, and appropriateness.  Much of what is planned also needs to be child initiated so that children have a vested interest and natural curiosity for what they’re learning. Then finally, assessment needs to be an ongoing part of curriculum, because planning what is best for children is driven by observations/assessments and knowing each child and their specific, individual needs.  This is what leads to the most effective planning and success in learning.

Founded on Christian Principles

Growing Years Christian School and Child Care Center, first and foremost, was built on non-denominational Christian principles and values.  Our primary hope is to glorify God in all that we do here at Growing Years, because we have been blessed with the opportunity to serve Him. Also, that as Christians and educators, we are responsible for every aspect of a child’s growth, including building strong Christian character.  So besides our academic curriculum and the Peddlesfoots, we also help children learn about Godly principles based on our weekly Bible lessons that we have developed for that purpose.

We use a non-denominational approach as lessons are taught from the Old and New Testament.  Our past owner and director, Anita Collins, meets with the children each week to present a new story, using flannel board figures, books, puppets, and singing.  The classroom teachers reinforce these same stories in their classrooms using a children’s Bible, art projects, and music.

Our goal is to keep it simple while making these timeless stories relevant for children in their day to day lives.

Music for Munchkins by Ms. Michele

We are fortunate to have a music teacher like Michele Spitz!  Her program has been popular in the Great Lakes Bay region for  over 25 years at area Preschools, Libraries, Saginaw Center Courts, and many other community events. Michele recently became inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame. Not only is she a professional singer/recording artist in her own right, but she is also the vocalist/narrator on  The Peddlesfoots music and read-a-long CDs, which is a character education program that we will be including in our music classes. 

Michele began the Music for Munchkins program in 1999.  This program brings the joy and excitement of music to all of our children—waddlers through school agers—as the children learn through music and music related activities.  These activities benefit the following areas of growth and development for children:  fine and gross motor skills, listening skills, self-expression, positive social behaviors and interactions, and specific educational goals.

If you would like more information, please visit Music for Munchkins LLC on Facebook or on Ms. Michele’s websites at www.musicformunchkins.com  and www.michelespitz.com

Peddlesfoots Character Education

This evidence-based curriculum was developed by local teachers, including the owner of Growing Years, Lisa Workman and our previous owner, Anita Collins.  The idea grew out of a need for helping children build a foundation of good character during the preschool years. The curriculum focuses on 9 character traits: trustworthiness, respect, perseverance, caring, courage, responsibility, self-discipline, fairness, and citizenship.  Children learn about these traits throughout the school year, with a new trait being introduced each month using stories, songs, literacy activities, art, and more! Families may want to purchase these materials for home use from our on-line store.

Peddlesfoots Character Education Materials Available for Purchase: The books, CDs, puppets and resource kits are currently available at Amazon.com. The ebooks are soon to be available at Amazon.com, Yudu.com, and BigUniverse.com! Stayed tuned for updates as to when these ebooks will be available.

The best way to learn more about this curriculum is to visit our website at: www.peddlesfoots.com