Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

Religion

For students at this level, understanding that Jesus is their best friend is fundamental to the learning. They understand the ways in which Jesus cares for them as His friend. They enjoy hearing God’s word and learning Bible stories. Participation in singing and praying in the classroom and with the entire school reinforces what is learned each day. Learning about forgiveness and learning to forgive others make Jesus come alive in their hearts and lives. Recognizing the liturgical seasons helps them understand more about the church year. Selected passages of Scripture and the catechism are learned.

Math

Using a variety of manipulatives, students classify, sort, group and order. Counting groups of objects, recognizing numerals and exploring patterns as well as understanding qualities of objects (shapes, big/little, long/short, etc.) increase the students’ awareness of mathematical principles.

Language Arts

Children begin to explore the connection between letters, sounds, pictures, and objects. They name each letter of the alphabet and begin to associate spoken sounds with the letter or letters that represent them. They take part in language activities that extend their vocabulary and conceptual knowledge. Listening to a wide variety of children's literature, including selections from classic and contemporary works, expands their horizons.

Handwriting

Students will recognize and begin to write capital and lower case manuscript letters especially in the spelling of their names. They will learn the correct grip on a pencil. The will participate in activities designed to strengthen small motor muscles.

Social Studies

Realizing that God made them, these students consider themselves and how they relate to God’s world. They understand that they are special and unique and grow and change differently. The knowledge that rules are important and everyone follows some rules or guidelines helps the student become more responsible for his own actions. Learning about placement or location of objects such as here/there or water/land provides them with conceptual ideas of God’s world. Social interaction (i.e. sharing, turn-taking, problem solving as a peer team) is a main focus throughout the program.

Science

Learning more about the world God gave us will be accomplished as students experience learning though their senses. Different concepts are explored through discussion, literature, and hands-on discovery. Students are encouraged to be inquisitive and responsive to natural things around them.

Art

Students enjoy artistic activities that include age appropriate drawing, coloring, and painting. In these activities, students have the opportunity to express their thoughts about God’s creativity. They experiment with color, shapes, and objects as they use their imaginations to develop their own creations. Working with other mediums such as clay and various marking tools allows their creativity to develop individually. Drawing lines and shapes and understanding the basic colors are included.

Music

Rhythm is explored in various ways. Students play games, march, and discover that rhythm is found in many areas of life. Simple melodies and short simple songs provide numerous opportunities to teach students about a variety of concepts. Students are exposed to music by listening or actually playing on different sound instruments. They begin to appreciate contrasting tempos and how loud or soft music can be.

Physical Education

Students enjoy individual and group activities related to body movements such as walking, running, galloping, jumping, or marching. Games such as Follow the Leader and throwing and catching allow the students to interact with others as they are physically active. Play that includes large motor development is encouraged in daily outside and gym activities.