Pre-K Program Class Curriculum
Both Fours and PreK prepare students for kindergarten, but PreK is a good option for children who are ready for a little more. Both curricula are play-based, but PreK goes a little deeper and provides additional challenges for our older 4s. While an academic curriculum is not the focus of CPI, care is given to gently guide children toward kindergarten readiness. Students will develop social skills, strengthen their problem-solving abilities, and explore their creativity in a rich play environment. In addition, students will enjoy the special experience of eating lunch with their friends, which is great practice for kindergarten! Some families whose children have late birthdays may choose to delay kindergarten and enroll in PreK after completing Fours. This is a Cooperative class, and parents take turns volunteering in the classroom as the Parent Aide.
During the course of the year, our enthusiastic and nurturing Pre-K teacher will work on the following skills, with emphasis on the social skills at the level appropriate for each age:
Self-Discovery & Independence
Communicating with Others
Development of Self-Help Skills
Good Safety Habits
Sharing with Others
Respecting Others
Self-Control
Self-Expression
Fine & Gross Motor Skill Development
Following Directions
Learning to Work in a Classroom Atmosphere
Listening to Others
Language Arts
- Large and small group games and activities will foster skills such as alphabet recognition (upper and lower case), printing letters (upper and lower case), letter sounds, left to right progression, sequencing, and rhyming.
- Stories, picture reading, pre-reading skills, and a phonics reading program are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Math and Science
- Primary goals for each student are: counting (1-50), number recognition (1-31), counting by tens, and advanced shapes.
- More than and less than, graphing, patterning, sequencing, measuring, and sorting, are emphasized daily.
- In addition to monthly thematic units, a variety of fun activities and engaging experiments will enhance the curriculum.
Art and Music
- All free art and guided crafts will encourage personal creativity and individual expression.
- Students will enjoy learning new songs, rhythms, and dances, as well as playing with a variety of instruments.
Other Activities
- Sensory activities, outdoor play, blocks, housekeeping, dress-up, puppets, manipulative toys, puzzles, dramatic play, etc.
Conferences
- Parent-Teacher conferences will be held in January or February.
Special Helper and Snack
- Approximately once a month, each family will be assigned a day to co-op in the classroom and provide snack for the students. As the special helper, your child will also bring a show & tell item to share with the class.
