Prekindergarten

Our prekindergarten is a busy community, all working together toward the same ultimate goal…becoming competent, confident, independent problem solvers and life-long learners. We work cooperatively as a whole group, in small groups, in pairs, individually, and in multiage groups.

The classroom set up allows each child the opportunity to move along at a comfortable pace and succeed at a personal development level. The center areas provide a framework for exploration. The children’s child-centered work (“play”) should not be underestimated! They actively work on problem solving while interacting with their classmates, gaining new understandings in literacy, science, math, and social studies, and develop motor skills.

Reading readiness is strongly supported with chart songs, free exploration with books, guided reading, choral reading, hands-on materials to support phonetic awareness, alphabet identification, story structure and beginning concepts of print. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are an integral part of our day.

Opportunities to think mathematically are present in many of the things we do. We pattern, count, estimate, use geometry, measure, compute, compare/contrast, and graph data. Our math program is much more than computation. We are working toward possessing true logical-mathematical thinking.

Our morning meeting provides rich experiences with language, mathematical and scientific concepts, opportunities to read, sing, role-play, and express ourselves. We use this special time to showcase our achievements and celebrate successes.

Our classroom has clear routines, expectations, and boundaries within which the children freely operate. Our “noise” is productive and necessary! Our table activities are a balance of outcome-based and process-oriented work. We value process over product, creativity, and open-ended projects.

The daily schedule in prekindergarten includes Morning Meeting, Snack, Free Reading, Theme Study, Math Workshop, Literacy, Free Choice, Centers, Outdoor Play, Lunch, Recess, and Rest Time. In addition, our prekindergarteners go to Gym, Music, Spanish, and Creative Movement each week.

Our prekindergarten classroom is a lively place where children experience the joys of learning as they become confident in their understanding of self and community.