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Preschool Curriculum

 
 
Preschool students attend classes two, three or five mornings a week. Most preschool students have not been in a preschool environment so many of the activities and experiences at PPCS are new. We strive to create experiences that are both educational and enjoyable.
 
Bible: Students participate in a daily chapel program. This program consists of Bible stories, singing songs of praise, reciting memory verses, praying, saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing patriotic songs.

Our Bible curriculum is ACSI Bible. The curriculum provides the weekly Bible stories and memory verses. It is also used to incorporate Bible-based activities into other skill areas, such as:
 
Bible Story Center Dramatic Play Guided Play Social Studies
Block Play Tactile Center Cooking Math
Writing Games Music Art
Home Center Listening Center Science Language
Books Finger Plays Poems  
 
Language Arts: Nursery rhymes, songs, poetry, and books are used to introduce students to language activities. Story time is experienced daily and is viewed as crucial to the development of language, vocabulary, thinking and listening skills.

Alphabet: Preschool students are introduced to D’Nealian style letters. The workbook “D’Nealian Handwriting for Preschoolers – Book 1”, published by Scott, Foresman and Company, is used as a resource book. Practice with pencils, markers and crayons encourages the correct method of holding a writing utensil. Activities are planned to present beginning letter recognition and sound discrimination.Prekindergarten classes focus on literary skills using Wright Group's "DLM Early Childhood Express" curriculum. Ready-Set-Go classes use ABeka's beginning phonics curriculum to introduce short vowel sounds and beginning reading skills.

Mathematics: Classifying, counting, sorting, sequencing, shapes and recognizing numbers zero through 30 are introduced using learning centers and class activities. Manipulative materials are used to develop greater concept understanding, stimulate interest, and enhance skill acquisition. Manipulatives include puzzles, blocks, water/sand play, playdoh, and lacing cards.

Social Studies, Science and Community Awareness: Our curriculum covers subject areas such as plants, animals, dinosaurs, ocean life, healthy bodies, transportation, weather, dental health, fire prevention and safety. These subjects are enriched with field trips, theme parties, cooking projects, science experiments and art activities.

Art: Fine-motor skills are developed and creativity encouraged with numerous and varied art activities. Students are exposed to many art mediums by participating in a variety of painting, cutting and gluing activities. Activities are planned which help students develop color awareness and recognition of basic colors.

Group Activities: Circle time, story time, and group play activities are incorporated into the curriculum to give the students opportunities to practice group decision-makings skills and develop and express ideas in a fun environment.

Specials Classes: Students attend P.E., Computer, Spanish, Music and Library classes. The amount of time scheduled in each class is dependent upon how many days a week the students attend school.

Music: Students are encouraged to enjoy music through songs, rhymes, instruments and tapes in the classroom and in Music class. Special songs and poems are introduced throughout the school year. The preschool students also practice and perform secular and religious songs for two programs, one in November or December and one in April or May.

Spanish: PPCS recognizes that early exposure to more than one language enhances the development of verbal skills, comprehension and self-confidence. In Spanish class, preschool students work on hearing and verbalizing vocabulary words. Topics include numbers, colors, days of the week, school, family, clothing, food, animals and body parts.

Field Trips: The preschool classes generally participate in three field trips during the school year. The teachers will notify parents at least two weeks in advance. Permission slips and any necessary admission fees will be turned in prior to the field trip. Parents must supply car seats or booster seats for all field trips. Parent drivers are used to transport students. A lack of parent drivers may cancel a scheduled field trip.

Recess: Students have a 20-minute recess each day for them to interact with peers, develop appropriate social skills and strengthen their gross-motor skills.

Snacks: Snacks are provided by PPCS and are a part of the daily schedule. Snack items include crackers, string cheese, yogurt, cookies, applesauce, carrots, graham crackers and cereal bars. Please inform your child’s teacher if your child has any food allergies.

Parties: Class parties include the following: Storybook Character Party (October), Christmas Party (December), Valentine’s Day Party (February), Parents’ Day Celebration (April) and the End of the School Year Party (May). Other holidays are celebrated through special art projects and various age-appropriate activities.
Parents wishing to volunteer in the classroom should contact the teacher so a schedule can be arranged.

Our program is child-centered and designed to accommodate a wide variety of student ability levels. Our goal is to promote confidence and creativity in each student and to help our students develop positive attitudes toward learning.