Phonics: With both classes I teach the alphabet sounds and recognition, daily rhyming, syllables, sequencing etc. For the 4 year old class I teach 20 sight words and the digraphs sh, ch, wh, th, ph, and qu. We learn many word families and I teach 5 vowels and vowel sounds to both classes. We do pre-reading where I introduce them to the concept of blending CVC words (Consonant/Vowel/Consonant). I also read to your children each day.
Math: We count everyday. Counting to 100 is the goal by the end of the year for the 4 year old class and 30 is the goal by the end of the 3 year old class, we learn to recognize and write numbers up to 20 with the 4 year old class and up to 10 with the 3 year old class. I do graphing and patterning with both classes on a weekly basis. I also introduce the children to addition and subtraction and we learn about shapes, measurement, counting by 1's, 5's and 10's (all to 100).
Science: I love hands on science experiments where your children are involved through the entire process. I allow them to take part in making predictions, testing, observing, and seeing results.
Social Studies/History: I teach some units on historical figures that have helped shape our country and that have provided positive contributions to the world, we have cultural lesson plans, geographical, as well as natural science. Just a few examples of topics are volcanoes, community helpers, fire safety, solar system, Hawaii, jungle/rainforest, Mexico, Four seasons, and feelings.
Art: I am a firm believer that the art process is the most important part of art expression. I allow children to create freely, creatively and independently as much as possible. I provide a variety of art activities including some more structured holiday crafts. We do at least two art activities a week. I also integrate many, if not most of my art projects into the current topic being studied. I also often use art to learn skills such as cutting, glueing, patterning, beading/stringing etc.
Sensory: I strongly believe that children need all kinds of sensory experiences for learning, creativity, team work and motor development so I provide a sensory box as well as art projects, games and activities that allow for guided and free sensory expression each day. I change the sensory box weekly. It is an amazing tool for sparking natural curiosity and discovery in a relaxed environment! It is very common for me to overhear the children making all kinds of observations about the items in the box!
Fine/Gross Motor Skills: I help the children develop fine motor skills by teaching them basic school skills such as handwriting, proper pencil usage, cutting, pasting, coloring, forming letters and writing their own name etc. I teach these skills with toys, games, worksheet(s) and through many daily activities. Some of the items we use in our learning are things such as use of tweezers, tongs, spooning, pouring, stamping, beading, building, play dough, scissors, and use of stickers. For Gross motor skills (large body movement) we do activities such as balancing, obstacle courses, skipping, hopping, dancing, throwing & catching etc.
Daily Learning: Everyday we learn about seasons, weather, days of the week, 12 months, the concept of today, yesterday & tomorrow. We also recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day and learn Patriotic songs.
Activities: I feel that children learn the best through play. This can be both structured and non-structured. Because of this each day I have well thought out, planned and fun activities that teach your children in a playful way. I also integrate games and activities that allow opportunities for free and dramatic play. This is a great time for children to learn social skills, gain self-confidence and learn how to participate appropriately in a group setting. The children have opportunities for some free play each day with access to all kinds of learning toys including dramatic play toys, building toys, lots of manipulative toys, puzzles, dolls, dress up's, storyboard figures, magnetic board and much more!
Music & Dance: I have music activities everyday including regular use of instruments, scarves, streamers, etc. We also do movement, rest songs and group dance activities. We also have daily songs that teach days of the week, months, counting, spelling, alphabet etc. Music time will generally follow the themes being taught or go along with upcoming holidays.
For more information on what your child should learn in Preschool.
- Utah's Early Childhood Core Standards
- UEN's Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
- Kindergarten Here We Come
