Preschool

CURRICULUM

Basic Philosophy

Creative and developmentally appropriate are the key words to our understanding of preschool curriculum. Children have the world at their fingertips and love to explore and create with a variety of mediums. Through the use of a vast array of activities, our children are encouraged to be themselves and not conform to the rigidness of worksheets and dittos. Recognizing that children grow and mature at their own speed, activities are designed to encourage but not force concepts and skills that are challenging and appropriate for their age

CHAPEL TIME is included for our three's and four's. Four year olds that attend five days per week will have chapel twice a week. Chapel offers a special time of praise and celebration to God. Led by our ministers, this time focuses on giving thanks to God for all the wonderful things He has given us and celebrating His never-ending love for all.

CREATIVE DRAMATICS AND MOVEMENT encourage free expression and group interaction through the use of puppets, prop boxes, dress-ups, blocks and musical props. Children are encouraged to "become" their favorite animal, dance like leprechauns and "fly through the air" using streamers and ribbons!

COOKING ACTIVITIES include foods from the basic four food groups and allow the children to measure, stir, sift, and sample menus that are low in salt, sugars, and fats. Children delight in tasting the results of their own handiwork.

FIELD TRIPS are connecting points between weekly themes and the world in which we live. Threes and Fours enjoy moving beyond their classrooms into the world of wonder and awe as they see, touch, and experience a variety of environments.

FINGERPLAYS are simple poems that the children can recite while performing appropriate actions. They are simple and repetitive and strive to reinforce the weekly theme in a concrete way.

GAMES AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES are kept simple and promote a sense of cooperation and fairness. Groupings are kept simple and promote a sense of cooperation and fairness. Groupings are kept small to reduce "waiting time" and taking turns is stressed.

LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT includes discussions, word games, flannel board stories, suggested books and experiences to increase communication skills. Listening to what children say is an important goal for our teachers. Often "child-directed" poems and booklets are created to further communication skills.

MATH includes games, activities and materials that help provide a foundation in shapes, sorting, counting, and one-to-one concepts.

MUSIC includes simple songs and familiar tunes designed to compliment the weekly themes through rhythm instruments and singing.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT includes games and exercises that increase physical skills and coordination. Large muscle activities and outdoor play are included in daily routines.

SCIENCE concepts are simple and concrete and seek to provide children with sources of wonder and discovery of the world around them.

SEASONAL EMPHASIS on religious as well as secular happenings will be a regular part of this curriculum as children are encouraged to be a part of the celebrations and traditions that surround them both at home and at church.