The Advanced Calendar Program-Introduction

The Advanced Calendar Program builds on the foundational skills learned in the beginner's calendar program. While it’s not mandatory to complete the beginner program before starting this one, it’s important to understand that we continue using the same beautiful wall calendar, which serves a bigger purpose than just teaching the days of the week, months, and holidays. It’s a key tool for helping children develop self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to share and describe their activities and experiences.

Purpose of the Program:

• • The program is designed to help children express themselves by recounting events, activities, and experiences.
  • Many children want to share their experiences but struggle to find the words or the structure to tell their stories. This program addresses that gap.
  • Children may bring objects or try to talk about their experiences, but they may lack the language skills or the sequence to convey their thoughts clearly.

Building Communication Skills:

• • The program helps children develop both receptive (understanding) and expressive (speaking) language skills.
  • It encourages them to sequence their thoughts, articulate what they did, and answer and ask questions.
  • This is particularly beneficial for children who might be shy or unsure about how to communicate their experiences.

A Personal and Magical Tool:

• • Using the calendar and planner provides children with a personal tool they can manipulate, decorate, and customize.
  • The process of creating and maintaining their own planner becomes a magical experience where they take ownership of their learning.
  • Eventually, children will be able to create and use planners independently, without adult intervention.

Why Start Early?

• • Rather than waiting until high school to teach organizational and planning skills, children are introduced to the concept of using a planner early on.
  • Early exposure to this tool helps develop organization and communication in a fun, age-appropriate way.
  • Over time, children can transition from using a basic calendar to more detailed planners that reflect their personal tastes and interests.

The Benefits:

• • The program extends the child’s ability to understand concepts such as time (e.g., the passage of days) and scheduling.
  • It’s one of the most rewarding activities because it enables children to communicate more effectively about their daily lives and experiences.
  • By the end of the program, children will have a concrete tool (the planner) that will help them express themselves and communicate their activities confidently.

The Advanced Calendar Program offers children a rewarding experience that enhances both their communication skills and their ability to organize and plan. It’s a tool for personal growth, language development, and self-expression. By the end of the program, children will have gained the confidence and skills to share their experiences in a clear, organized way, helping them thrive both in social settings and in their personal development.