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Pre-K Curriculum

By Karen Cox | Affiliate Disclosure | Filed Under: Teaching Tips

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Click Here for Curriculum Map

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.

What should Pre-K children learn? Pre-K Curriculum

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
Click Here for Curriculum Map
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3 Comments

About Karen Cox

Karen is the founder of PreKinders.com. She also works as a full-time Pre-K teacher in Georgia. Read more...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alice Carroll says

    September 22, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    I like that you mentioned that painting is one creative activity that should be expected from a pre-k school program. My daughter has been loving to play with water colors ever since I introduced the concept to her and she has been enjoying watching art videos online instead of cartoons. I think if this interest of her is well supported throughout her childhood, she will be able to unlock her full potential later in life.

    Reply
  2. Katrina says

    September 25, 2020 at 6:12 am

    I just found your website today, and your materials are amazing. We are now a pandemic home school family, and I’m looking for materials for my 4 year old and first grader. Thank you so much for making so many things available to print.

    Reply
  3. Jazmyne says

    November 3, 2020 at 2:46 am

    This is extremely helpful! Thank you

    Reply

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Glad you're here! You'll find hands-on learning activities, themes, and printables for Pre-K, Preschool, and Kindergarten kids. I'm Karen Cox, a Pre-K teacher in Georgia. I have taught 4-5 year olds for 20+ years! Read More…

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Welcome!
Would you like free weekly email updates?
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We collect, use, and process your data according to our Privacy Policy.
Don't worry - we never sell or share email addresses!
Welcome!
Would you like to join my FREE weekly update newsletter? Join 85,000+ subscribers!
We collect, use, and process your data according to our Privacy Policy.
Don't worry - we never sell or share email addresses!