4 Year Old Pre-School Curriculum Overview
St. John’s Pre-School is concerned with the development of the whole child; spiritual, social, emotional, physical and intellectual. An awareness of developmentally appropriate practices for four year olds as prescribed by the National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) guides the curriculum. The curriculum is taught using a theme approach. Some of the themes are dinosaurs, birds, community helpers, transportation, etc. Learning takes place in many different areas; blocks, dramatic play, sensory table, art, book area, puzzle area and the writing area. Children also learn in a variety of groupings including large groups, small groups and with individual attention.
The Pre-School classes have music and library twice a week, and gym 3 times a week. On Wednesday they go to chapel. There is a computer in the room that may be used on a daily basis. Below is a general listing of areas covered in the curriculum.
RELIGION
God is our friend. He loves us. We can respond to God’s love by praying and showing God’s love to each other. A variety of Bible stories are presented.
MATH
Math lessons are based on the Saxon Pre-School series. Stressed in this math program is number recognition, counting, money, patterning, graphing, calendar, sorting, math vocabulary and free exploration of math materials.
MUSIC
Children attend music class twice a week. Music covered in the classroom include songs, rhythm instruments, movement and music enjoyment.
ART
A variety of materials are offered on a daily basis; including easel painting, collages of various materials, watercolors, and finger-painting.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Stories: a variety of literature is introduced including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Writing: name writing, uppercase letters, journal writing, dictation and copying words from their dictation.
Letters: A letter is introduced each week. The letter reflects the activities of the classroom, ex. During Thanksgiving week the letter is T.
Listening and Speaking: Show and Tell, reading their own stories to the classroom, group discussion, following oral directions, taking turns at circle time.
SOCIAL GROWTH
Children are encouraged to develop their social skills, share, and communicate their feelings and wants. They are encouraged to begin to develop empathy. Self help skills such as dressing and cleaning up after oneself are also stressed
SCIENCE
The children are encouraged to develop their sense of wonder and to make observations and predictions while exploring different materials
FINE MOTOR
Fine motor skills are developed with the use of scissors, puzzles and other manipulatives.
LARGE MOTOR
Large motor skills are developed with classroom games and movement activities, recess and gym activities including ball skills, parachute, bean bag activities, scooters and group games.
