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.
Pre-K Math Curriculum
- 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
Pre-K Literacy Curriculum
- 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.
Pre-K 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
Pre-K 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
Pre-K 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