THE 4 AND 5 YEAR OLD PROGRAM
Pre-Kindergarten + Kindergarten Prep
This program is designed as an older preschool program for children ages four and five. Typically, children enter the program as young four-year-olds, and turn five over the course of the school year. This program setting offers stepping stones to more formal school settings, including working in individual, small and large group activities. These additional challenges provide opportunities to continue building on self-esteem, verbal communication and conflict resolution skills. In this class, the 4 and 5 year old will continue with reading and writing, learn about history, geography, social studies and science, math concepts including addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, music and computer skills.
As integral components of Early Childhood Programs, learning centers offer developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to interact with each other, with materials, and with concepts and ideas. These centers include block building, dramatic play, science, music, manipulatives, sensory motor, art, library, language arts, computers and math. Small group activities also include story time, movement, music and literacy. These foundational skills make possible next steps in social development, and allow for expanding the nuances of “having a friend and being a friend”.
Looking ahead to Kindergarten, students are building self-confidence, pursuing their curiosities and are working on their ability to interact and cooperate with peers. This older preschool program keeps children busy as they create friendships, explore curriculum through specialized classes and the developmental activity centers.
With the four year old, we utilize a hands on and engaging approach to teach concepts and skills which will prepare them for their Kindergarten year. Throughout the day students participate in both small and large group teacher directed learning activities, classroom centers, and structured and unstructured play time.
Math Skills
Language Arts
Fine Motor
Gross Motor Skills
Social Studies and Sciences
Classroom Skills and Social Skills
Art
Music
Special Days & Activities
As integral components of Early Childhood Programs, learning centers offer developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to interact with each other, with materials, and with concepts and ideas. These centers include block building, dramatic play, science, music, manipulatives, sensory motor, art, library, language arts, computers and math. Small group activities also include story time, movement, music and literacy. These foundational skills make possible next steps in social development, and allow for expanding the nuances of “having a friend and being a friend”.
Looking ahead to Kindergarten, students are building self-confidence, pursuing their curiosities and are working on their ability to interact and cooperate with peers. This older preschool program keeps children busy as they create friendships, explore curriculum through specialized classes and the developmental activity centers.
With the four year old, we utilize a hands on and engaging approach to teach concepts and skills which will prepare them for their Kindergarten year. Throughout the day students participate in both small and large group teacher directed learning activities, classroom centers, and structured and unstructured play time.
Math Skills
- Identify Numbers 0-15
- Count from 1-30
- Sort objects by color, size, shape and a variety of other attributes
- Identify shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle, rhombus, arch, pentagon, octagon, hexagon)
- Gain understanding of concept of simple addition and subtraction
- Complete and create patterns
- Write numbers 0-10
Language Arts
- Reading readiness skills(turning pages, reading from left to right)
- Identify the parts of a book-title, cover, author, illustrations
- Identify uppercase and lowercase alphabet letters
- Identify phonemic sounds of alphabet letters
- Introduction of literacy concepts through read aloud of children’s books, nursery rhymes, poetry, songs and finger plays
- Word of the week
- Exposure to languages other than English
- Identify sight words
- Sound out simple 2 and three letter words
- Write letters in name using proper formation
- Write alphabet letters
- Identify rhyming words and opposites
Fine Motor
- Use scissors to cut out simple and then complex shapes
- Holding a pencil properly
- Coloring in the lines
- Drawing simple and then complex shapes and figures
- Using glue sticks and other arts and crafts materials
Gross Motor Skills
- Parachute Play
- Bean Bag Play
- Music and Movement
- Throwing, catching and kicking a ball
- Obstacle Courses
- Hopping, jumping, skipping
- Playing group physical activity games (soccer, volleyball etc)
Social Studies and Sciences
- Daily and Seasonal Weather Observations
- Community Helpers
- Growth of plants and insects
- Dinosaurs
- Weekly science experiments
Classroom Skills and Social Skills
- Listening and following directions
- Answering questions in full sentences
- Working cooperatively with peers
- Independence skills
- Problem solving skills
Art
- Utilization of various arts and crafts materials
- Completing arts and crafts projects
- Ability to express oneself using various art techniques
Music
- Dancing
- Listening, clapping and marching to music
- Playing instruments
- Singing songs and finger plays
Special Days & Activities
- Field and Walking Trips
- Parties/Multicultural Celebrations
- Lunch Bunch
- In House Visitors
