Preschool Curriculum

 

The preschool curriculum is a bridge between the toddler and Pre-K program.    One of the primary goals is to foster independence as the students prepare for Pre-K. While many of the topics and goals are similar to the toddler program, the preschool students are continuing to build and expand their knowledge and skills in more depth. The three year old program incorporates many elements to foster academic, social and emotional development.  Children learn best through play, and therefore, our approach to instruction is not drill and practice, but sensory and center based.

 

The components of the curriculum for the preschool children are as follows:

• Alphabet introduction (upper case letters)

• The numbers 1 - 10

• Name recognition (first name - upper case), name tracing, name writing

• Daily calendar/weather during circle time

• Shapes

• Colors

• Counting/ 1 to 1 correspondence

• AB patterning/sorting/size order

• Seasons

• Literature

• Science through exploration - i.e. sink and float, planting, life cycles

• Songs and movement activities

• Fine motor skills (sensory activities/scissor skills/coloring/ lacing, etc.)

 

Each month the class concentrates on themes, as well as weaving in the holidays and seasons.  An example of the themes are as follows:

• All about me Dental health

• Apples & pumpkins Eric Carle 

• Nutrition Jan Brett 

• Sea life Dinosaurs

• Five senses Arctic animals

 

Although the academic aspect of the curriculum is important, the social and emotional components are just as integral to our program.  Learning how to function in a group setting, follow directions, establishing friendships, learning how to take turns and share and being able to express oneself verbally are essential skills to develop.  In addition, learning how to sit for a story, listen as the teacher or a peer speaks, and be respectful of others and  the classroom materials are skills interlaced into our daily lessons.