Curriculum
Curriculum will follow the Utah State Core Curriculum for Pre-K. You can find this here. Both classes will have a balance between teacher directed and child directed learning. I believe in providing opportunities for children to learn through exploration and discovery. It is not so much about how high a child can count or how many words they can read at this age. It is about building the foundation of learning, creativity, problem solving and curiosity, that will be with the child the rest of their lives. I incorporate math, science, reading, writing, music, social studies, P.E., in every class meeting. Just remember child's work is play!
The 3 year old class will focus on sharing, following directions, cooperative playing, fine and gross motor development, beginning handwriting, colors, shapes, recognizing and identifying the ABCs, counting, and numbers 1-10. At this age, it's extremely important to learn how to get along and share with others. They will learn the importance of sharing their world. :)
The 4 year old class will do all the above, but in more depth. This class will focus on getting ready for Kindergarten. Through teacher directed and child directed activities we will learn the ABCs, sounds, rhyming, sign language of letters, vocabulary, comprehension, beginning reading and handwriting (name, abc's and numbers). We will also learn High Frequency sight words.
Themes throughout the year:
Sep.:Safety, Following Rule is cool, Play and obey, good manners
Oct.: Community Helpers, Pumpkins, Halloween
Nov.: Fire Safety, 911 Emergency, Thanksgiving, Fall
Dec.: Families, Friendship, Christmas, Giving
Jan.: Winter, Snow, Ocean Animals, MLK Day (Kindness)
Feb.: Groundhogs Day, Valentines, President's Day, Dental Hygiene
Mar.: Dr. Seuss, St. Patrick's Day
Apr.: Easter, Spring, Butterflies/caterpillars
May: Zoo animals, Mother's Day, Graduation for Pre-k, mom and me class for 3-4 yr. olds