Preschool: 4s
The four year old class is for children who turn four by September 30th with a maximum student to teacher ratio of 16:2. The program is based on the curriculum guidelines set out by NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). It is a developmentally appropriate program focusing on four major areas: social/emotional, physical, cognitive and language. Our most important goals are for children to get along well with others and become independent learners who are prepared to take on the challenges of kindergarten. These goals are accomplished through themed activities that encourage:
- Positive separation from parent or caregiver
- Familiarity, comfort and participation in the routines of the class
- Cooperative play and sharing with classmates
- Fine motor coordination through the use of manipulative materials such as play dough, beads for stringing, puzzles, pencils,crayons, paint brushes and more
- Writing skills using a secure grip and control. The “Handwriting Without Tears” program is used for teaching correct letter and number formation and developing good habits for successful penmanship.
- Writing first name using uppercase letters
- Scissor skills with accuracy and control
- Gross motor coordination through our organized gym classes as well as daily play in our fenced in outdoor playground with space to run and equipment for swinging, climbing, balance and sand play. In addition, we make great use of a large indoor playroom set up for climbing, balance, running and lots of tricycles
- Computer class in small groups with a computer specialist for a half hour every other week in our computer lab of eight computers; each child works independently in guided lessons
- Problem solving skills both of an academic and social nature through guided play, independent play and one to one interactions between teachers and students
- Number recognition and one to one correspondence
- Identification of both upper and lower case letters
- Shape and color recognition
- Recognition of child’s name in print as well as a number of common sight words
- Speaking in full sentences, asking and answering questions, using age appropriate vocabulary and sentence structure
- Exposure to age appropriate children’s literature by being read to as well as the availability of books during free play
- Participation in individual, small group and large group activities