Welcome to Preschool

Our classroom is full with 8 students and we are forming a happy little classroom family!  I love having this small class size because it means I get to spend time with each child every day. 

Curriculum
We use the High Reach curriculum for our themes for the month.  In addition to seasonal and holiday themes, themes this year include
*School to Home
*Town and Country
*Food
*Dirt
*Terrific Tools
*Pretending
*Up in the Air
*Grass

Within each theme, we have activities that provide for learning in language arts, math, social-emotional and science.  The curriculum includes many hands-on activities as well as additions to each learning center that fit in with the theme.

In addition to the High Reach activities, we cover colors, shapes and the numbers 1 through 10.  We also learn our colors and numbers in Spanish.

Religion
We use the Voyages religion curriculum.  In the fall, we focus on stories from the Old Testament.  Beginning with Christmas, we then follow the life of Christ through the rest of the year, including his death, resurrection and ascension..  Our last few lessons look at the beginnings of the early church.  Throughout the year, we emphasize God's unconditional love for us and the forgiveness we have in Jesus.

Daily Routine
A daily routine is so important for 3 year olds!  Our routine includes a mixture of individual, large group and small group activities, as well as a balance of active and quiet activities.

*Circle Time includes the Pledges to the American and Christian flags, an opening prayer, calendar and weather activities and an introduction to the theme for the day.  Each child is greeted individually and given an opportunity to share some news with us.
*Learning Centers include Library, Dramatic Play, Art, Blocks, Manipulatives and Science.  The children not only exercise their social-emotional skills when playing with others but the centers include opportunities for small muscle development and math and language activities.  Each day, the child will do a project or play a game with the teacher, sometimes with other children.  In addition to the longer Center time in the morning, there are shorter Center times after lunch and afternoon snack.
*Snack
*Jesus Time includes singing, prayers and the Bible story.  On Wednesdays, we go to chapel with Pastor Babin and the rest of the school.
*Outside Time  is so important for young children.  We try to have at least 40 minutes of outside time every day.  Activities include playing on the playground equipment but also sand table, water table, musical instruments, drawing with sidewalk chalk and digging in the mulch!
*Lunch  Because of our class A licensing, all students are required to purchase hot lunch.  We enjoy it in our classroom.  This is an important time of working on our manners, learning mealtime prayers and having conversations with our friends.
*Story Time  A book is chosen that fits in with the theme for the day.  Impromptu story times with one or more students also happen throughout the day.
*Nap Time
*Afternoon Snack
*Music  We sing, dance, play act and have fun!  We listen for different instruments, clap rhythms and exercise our brains with motions to songs.
*Dismissal  At the end of the day, we sing a good-bye song to each child and they reflect on their favorite part of the day before going home.

Parent/School Communication
A newsletter is sent home on Thursday that includes a review of the week's activities and also any news or information. 

On Monday, each family receives a sheet called "Ask me about..." that gives ideas for homework, conversation and activities at home that coincide with the theme for each day.  The High Reach Curriculum and Voyages Curriculum also have take home materials that enrich children's learning at home.

Each day, children receive stars and stickers based on their behavior that day.  Parents will know each day if there are any issues that need addressing or what kind of day their child had.

The over-arching goal throughout the year is for each child to begin a life-long love of learning and Jesus!