School of EducationCollege of Professional Studies

Program Goals for Gesell Students

Based upon the theories and principles of Erikson and Piaget, six goals have been established. Activities for all children are directed toward meeting these goals:

1. To provide children with opportunities for social interaction with same age peers.
2. To assure that children have a good start in the development of a positive self-concept.
3. To assist children in the formation of positive attitudes toward school and learning.
4. To provide the children with a wide variety of activities and experiences which will build the firm foundations for later academic learning.
   1. Conceptual development
   2. Language development
   3. Listening and following directions
   4. Thinking and decision making
   5. Independence and responsibility
5. To provide children with opportunities to practice large and small motor skills.
6. To encourage development of creativity

Program Goals for UWSP Students

• To provide a facility in which education students and related majors may observe the development process in young children.
• To provide opportunities for students in teacher preparation programs to observe a master teacher and then apply principles discussed in teaching method classes to real life situations.
• To provide a quality program for children 3-5 years of age.
• To provide university students, in various fields of study, direct experience working with children ages 3-5 years.
• To provide opportunities for students in teacher preparation programs to observe a master teacher and then apply principles discussed in teaching method classes to real life situations.
• To give UWSP students opportunities to interact with parents and to observe parent-child interactions.
• University students in the Gesell classroom will implement developmentally appropriate activities and encourage positive socialization between Gesell students.