Pre-Literacy & Language Preschool Curriculum
Vocabulary Improvement Project
Language for Scholars
Parents Are Teachers
Lending Library
Leap Learning Systems
8 South Michigan
Suite 812
Chicago, IL 60603

312.578.1255
312.578.1280 fax

 
Vocabulary Improvement Project
   
 

Download PDF Brochure

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The Vocabulary Improvement Project (VIP) is a professional development program for early childhood educators. It compliments Leap Learning Systems’ Pre-Literacy and Language Preschool Curriculum, but can be used alone as well. The program trains teachers to teach effective literacy and communication development in pre-kindergarten classrooms. VIP is unique in that it provides resources and training for teachers as well as parents, helping to lay the vital foundation for children’s academic success.

 
 
How it Works
   
 

The VIP is a themed reading and preliteracy program (30 lessons) readily adaptable by teacher or parent to support ongoing classroom or home-based curricula and activities.

The VIP adapts to a regular schedule of preschool, kindergarten or home based activities:

  • Structured reading approaches for the classroom and home
  • Themed books, readily available and familiar, selected for their community and developmental interest
  • Material suggested that provide enrichment opportunities for vocabulary and language
  • Parent take homes
  • Training in hands-on techniques by Leap Learning Systems’ staff
 
 
The program is designed to:
   
 
  • Educate teachers on how communication, language and literacy skills build academic and social success
  • Build teacher and parent confidence in their role as an academic leader to their child

This program can run for half a year or a full school year. Leap Learning Systems’ staff will first observe the teachers they will be working with in their classroom setting, and then tailor the VIP to their specific needs. Leap Learning Systems’ staff will model VIP activities for the teachers, and then help them and observe them as they learn to lead the activities and language techniques on their own.

 
 
   
 
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Dramatic Play Online Presentation
   
 
 
 
Words are Tools.
   
 

Our Vocabulary Improvment Project is founded on the principles that words are tools…

…to think.

…to speak.

…to read.

…to solve problems.

…to understand.

…to imagine.

…to build a future.

Without words we could not accomplish any of these tasks. Without words, we would lack the fundamental building blocks of success—both in academics and in life. Our programs helps children from low-resource backgrounds learn how to use words to think, speak, to imagine, and to creatively interact with others.

 
 
   
 

 
 
What are the demands on the teacher?
   
 
  • Select a book; read the lesson plan
  • Organize follow up activities from readily available materials
  • Read the book, using Leap Learning Systems’ techniques: (Repeat-Model- Expand, individualized vocabulary enrichment and preliteracy opportunities for children, retain responses for children’s portfolios)
 
 
Which outcomes interest you?
   
 
  • Average 10%-20% gain in phonological awareness skills in 10 weeks
  •  Increase enrichment vocabulary
  • Increase preliteracy and print familiarity
  • Increase parent engagement with your classroom’s literacy focus
  •  Increase listening skills in group activitie
 
 
What is the classroom commitment?
   
 
  • Initial collaborative training for teachers and parents: develop language facilitation skills
  •  Classroom planning: 10 minutes
  • Group and home based reading activity: 10-15 minutes
  •  Optional art/follow up activities: 15-20 minutes