Pre-K Curriculum

What should Pre-K children learn?

These are typical concepts that Pre-K children explore in school, but should not be required to master before entering Kindergarten. Children learn these concepts at their own pace. What is learned in Pre-K is considered a “bonus”. Children are taught with hands-on materials, songs, and games. They are assessed by observation and work samples.

Math

• Matching: objects, symbols, shapes, patterns, etc.
• Same and Different
• Sorting by various attributes: color, shape, size
• Patterns: AB, AABB, ABC, and possibly AAB, ABB
• Identify numerals 1-10 or more
• Counting objects to 10 or more
• One-to-one correspondence of objects when counting
• Sizes: small, medium, large (3 – 5 sizes)
• Shapes: square, rectangle, circle, triangle, oval, hexagon, rhombus (diamond)
• More, Less, Same
• Time: Day and Night, Sand Timer
• Weight: Example, what weighs more or less in a balance scale
• Measuring with non-standard units

Literacy

• Exposure to alphabet: letter names and sounds
• Recognize, spell, write first name
• Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly
• Retell familiar stories
• Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences
• Answer questions about stories
• Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays
• Phonological Awareness: rhyming, syllables, alliteration
• Concepts of print: left to right direction, holding a book right-side-up
• Build new vocabulary
• Build listening skills
• Strengthen visual discrimination
• Sequencing
• Develop fine motor skills: play dough, scissors, writing utensils, Legos, etc.

Science

• Explore science tools: magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, etc.
• Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations
• Observe insect life
• Observe plant growth
• Observe weather and plant life during each season
• Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities
• Identify basic colors and explore color mixing
• Make observational drawings and dictation
• Explore the world with the five senses
• Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat

Creative Arts

• Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc.
• Use a variety of art materials: crayons, tempera paint, watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, art chalk, clay
• Experiment with mixing paint colors
• Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum
• Participate in movement songs and dances
• Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms
• Use a variety of children’s instruments
• Participate in dramatic play
• Dramatize familiar stories
• Act out the movements and sounds of animals

Social Skills

• Practice problem-solving skills in social situations
• Work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects
• Share classroom materials with the group
• Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners
• Communicate his/her needs
• Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, roll up nap pad, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed, etc.
• State personal information: first and last name, age, school name, city, state, country
• Explore types of work and workers
• Explore modes of transportation
• Participate in projects to help others in need

For Christian Schools only:

• Listen to Old and New Testament Bible stories
• Recognize that plants, animals, and human beings are God’s creations
• Recognize that God created families to love and take care of one another
• Learn about God’s love
• Listen to stories of the life of Jesus
• Learn Jesus’ teachings to love God and love others

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