Pre-K (4 year olds)

"The Lord is my Shepherd"

Psalm 23:1

Bible

The curriculum is designed to introduce Biblical truths and to help each child understand and develop godly character traits. Formal learning takes place during "circle time" as God's truths are taught through Bible stories and memory verses, and then reinforced through songs, finger plays, discussions, and role-play. Character development is emphasized through stories and Bible verses as well as through classroom social interaction where children learn to share, take turns, solve problems, and verbalize needs and emotions.  Bible lessons are taken from Scripture Bites: Thematic Bible Units for Preschoolers - The Standard Publishing Company and supplemented with related Arch Series books.

Social Studies and Science

Through the teaching of weekly cultural units, the children's knowledge of their world is expanded in fun, enriching ways. These units provide a wealth of information about people, places, plants, animals, seasons, and holiday traditions. The weekly units coordinate with the week's emphasized alphabet letter and Bible unit. New ideas and concepts are introduced through formal instruction, and are built on through cooking and art projects, finger plays, songs, dance, dramatic play, quality literature, etc. There is strong emphasis on center activities that are coordinated with the unit's theme. Spanish vocabulary words and sign language are included in each unit.

Language

The program focuses on refinement of oral language and listening skills, along with the development of reading and writing readiness skills. A strong emphasis is placed on letter recognition by sight and sound. Reinforcement of individual letters comes through alphabet puppets, stories, songs, games, artwork, Show-and-Tell, and hands-on activities. Each week's social studies' or science unit begins with the letter of the week.  Phonic Lessons are taken from a variety of sources, including Alphabet Puppets by Jill M.Coudron

Math

A math readiness program is used to introduce the children to general math concepts, which include quantity, number recognition, number sequencing, repetitive patterning, basic addition and subtraction, and shape recognition. Demonstrations, finger plays, games, cooking activities, number books, hands-on manipulatives, and rote counting help reinforce math concepts learned.

Art

Creativity and self-expression are encouraged through the use of watercolors, finger paints, chalk, pastels, crayons, markers, and modeling clay. The children's participation in art projects develops an appreciation for color and form while strengthening hand and finger muscles. Drawing, coloring, cutting, and gluing are practiced on a daily basis.

Motor Skills

Fine motor skills involve the development of hand-eye coordination and finger/hand strength, flexibility, and dexterity. In order to strengthen small finger and hand muscles, the children are provided experiences with puzzles, lacing cards, tweezers, Playdoh, and the sand tray. Art projects that involve cutting, drawing, and gluing also aid in fine-motor development. Gross motor skills include balance, strength, and coordination of the large muscles. Coordinated movement opportunities abound on the playground and in the classroom - through running, jumping, dancing, and block building.