Huntington Beach City School District

GLAD uses strategies that boost vocabulary development and language skills through thematic units, rich with oral language activities. For preschoolers, this can include interactive storytelling, chants, and the use of visual aids that help in understanding and retaining new words and concepts.

The approach encourages higher-order thinking skills through activities that involve classification, sequencing, predicting, and problem-solving. These are crucial for early cognitive development and prepare children for the more structured learning environments of kindergarten and beyond.

GLAD integrates content that reflects diverse cultures, which is particularly beneficial in preschool settings where children are developing social awareness and understanding of different backgrounds. This fosters an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel represented.

The methods used in GLAD are designed to be fun and engaging. Using songs, games, and interactive charts, for example, keeps young children interested and eager to participate in learning activities.

Early literacy is a significant focus in GLAD. The model emphasizes the development of pre-reading skills through the use of big books, shared reading experiences, and the introduction of print concepts and phonemic awareness.

GLAD strategies support the development of social skills and emotional understanding by encouraging cooperative learning and group activities. This helps children learn to work together, share ideas, and express their thoughts and feelings in constructive ways.