Preschool/Pre-kindergarten Curriculum

Religion
For students at this level, understanding that Jesus is their best friend is fundamental to learning.  They understand the ways in which Jesus cares for them as their friend.  They enjoy hearing God’s word and learning Bible stories.  Participation in singing and praying in the classroom and with larger groups reinforces what they learned that day.  Learning about forgiveness and learning to forgive others make Jesus come alive in their hearts and lives.  Simple passages from Scripture are learned.

 Math
Using a variety of manipulatives, students classify, sort, group, and order.  Counting groups of objects, recognizing numerals and exploring patterns as well as understanding qualities of objects (shapes, big/little, long/short, etc.) increase the students’ awareness of mathematical principles.

 Language Arts
Children begin to explore the connection between letters, sounds, pictures, and objects.  They name each letter of the alphabet and begin to associate spoken sounds with the letter or letters that represent them.  They take part in language activities that extend their vocabulary and conceptual knowledge.  Listening to a wide variety of children’s literature, including selections from classic and contemporary works, expands their horizons.

 Handwriting
Students will recognize and begin to write capital and lower case manuscript letters especially in the spelling of their names.  They will learn the correct grip on a pencil.  They will participate in activities designed to strengthen small motor muscles.

 Social Studies
Realizing that God made them, these students consider themselves and how they relate to God’s world.  They understand that they are special and unique and grow and change differently.  Knowledge and rules are important, and everyone follows  rules & guidelines which helps the student become more responsible for his own actions.  Learning about placement or location of objects such as here/there or water/land provides them with conceptual ideas of God’s world.  Social interaction (i.e. sharing, taking turns, problem solving as a peer team) is a main focus throughout the program.

 Science
Learning more about the world God gave us will be accomplished as students experience learning through their senses.  Different concepts are explored through discussion, literature, and hands-on discovery.  Students are encouraged to be inquisitive and responsive to natural things around them.

 Art
Students enjoy artistic activities that include age appropriate drawing, coloring, and painting.  In these activities, students have an opportunity to express their thoughts about God’s creativity.  They experiment with color, shapes, and objects as they use their imaginations to develop their own creations.  Working with other mediums such as clay and various tools allows their creativity to develop individually.  Drawing lines and shapes and understanding the basic colors are included.

 Music
Rhythm is explored in various ways.  Students play games, march, and discover rhythm is found in many areas of life.  Simple melodies and short simple songs provide numerous opportunities to teach students about a variety of concepts.  Students are exposed to music by listening or actually playing on different sound instruments.  They begin to appreciate contrasting tempos and how loud or soft music can be.

 Physical Education
Students enjoy individual and group activities related to body movements such as walking, running, galloping, jumping, and marching.  Games such as Follow the Leader and throwing and catching allow students to interact with others as they are physically active.  Play that includes large motor development is encouraged in daily outside and gym activities.