What your child learns in Pre-Kindergarten

Religion

Pre-Kindergartners are introduced to the Catholic faith through an age-appropriate curriculum called SEEDS. The weekly Pflaum publication follows the lessons and gospel of the Catholic liturgical year, with an emphasis on caring for one another and following in Jesus' footsteps. Through group discussions, songs, and stories, children grow in their knowledge and relationship with Christ. They also learn the Sign of the Cross, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Guardian Angel, the Glory Be, and several mealtime graces.

Social Studies

As children begin to understand they are part of a bigger world, they explore different countries and cultures through books, movies, food, art, and music. The idea of community is emphasized throughout the year.

Math

Students start the year with numbers, shapes, patterns, size, and spatial relationships. As the year progresses, they take on simple addition and subtraction, fractions (whole, half, quarter), and basic weight concepts, all through hands-on experiences and age-appropriate activities.

Science

Science units cover natural science topics including human growth and health, plant growth, insects and water animals, weather, properties of matter (solid, liquid, gas), and safety. Projects let children explore materials and observe what happens.

Language Arts

Through dramatic play, group discussions, individual sharing, and small-group activities, children build language skills. Whole language and phonics introduce the alphabet and beginning letter sounds. Daily reading time, a well-stocked reading center, and the Weekly Reader help children develop a love of reading.

Penmanship

The focus is on fine motor development: holding the pencil correctly and good body positioning for writing. Children learn the D'Nealian alphabet and numbers, which ease the later transition to cursive, and they work hard to write their own names.

Art

Children explore shape, color, texture, and visual relationships through a wide variety of art media, with plenty of room for creative expression and fine motor growth. Our motto in art: it is the process, not the product.

Activities

The Pre-Kindergarten curriculum is theme-based, with each week's activities driven by the theme. Developmental centers help children learn through experience, including computer and Smartboard, reading and listening, manipulatives, writing, and art. The goal is happy, independent learners who can work and get along with others.

Music

Children sing, play musical games, and experiment with instruments, focusing on beat, rhythm, and melody. In addition to music in the classroom, they have a weekly music class with the school's music teacher.

Physical Education

Through planned recess, classroom movement activities, and a weekly formal P.E. class with the school's P.E. instructor, children develop large motor skills.

Computer Technology

Children get an introduction to the interactive Smartboard and the computer, keyboard, and mouse through a variety of exploratory, educational programs.

Health

Students learn to take care of themselves, with an emphasis on eating healthy foods, drinking water, brushing teeth, personal hygiene, and exercise. Units on personal safety, respect, and manners are also included.