Academics ~ Pre-Kindergarten

 

Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

The four-year-old Pre-Kindergarten program is based on the belief that children acquire knowledge about the physical and social world in which they live through playful interaction with people and objects.  The learning environment provides stimulating and challenging activities and materials for children.  Our program strives to enrich the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth of children with regard to developmental milestones.

LANGUAGE ARTS  
Language development is taught throughout the curriculum through listening, speaking, writing and reading activities.  The Language Arts program provides many opportunities to explore literacy in the “real world”. Reading readiness skills are introduced through the Land of the Letter People Program.  As the children become developmentally ready to read, they are introduced to emergent reader materials.

MATH  
Students in the Pre-K program are introduced to math concepts through many hands-on activities provided by the Math Their Way Program.  These concepts include knowledge of the calendar, skills in counting, sequencing and patterning, comparing and ordering numerals, identifying, sorting and classifying shapes, measuring, estimating and creating graphs.

SCIENCE  
Pre-K children are very curious about the world around them. They are encouraged to observe and record what they see, hear, touch, taste and smell. These are two very basic steps in the scientific method. Units are theme based and include exploring the five senses, animals and insects in their habitats, plants, the four seasons, life on a farm, life in prehistoric times, and under the sea. Hands-on activities, games, books, videos and the Internet are used to introduce and reinforce concepts in the areas above.

SOCIAL STUDIES  
The social studies curriculum in PreK begins with the All About Me unit, and progresses through home and family, the school, and the local community. Geography is integrated into the program by introducing maps and globes. Additional topics are covered each year based on the interests of the class.  Pre-K integrates its social studies program through fieldtrips, the Letter People, literature, songs and finger-plays.

VISUAL ARTS
The basic elements of art: line, shape, color, form, space, value and texture, are presented.  Students are introduced to ways of thinking that are based upon imagination and judgment.  Children have the opportunity to look at and talk about art, to create art, and to become aware of art in their everyday lives. 

TECHNOLOGY  
Each classroom is equipped with four Dell computers, a color printer, a projector, laser scanner, and a laptop for the lead teacher.  Age appropriate computer activities that develop problem-solving abilities, and reinforce concepts presented in math and language arts are used during Centers time three days a week in the classroom.  In the Computer Lab, students are taught the basics, computer care, the parts of the computer, how to insert, start, and exit a CD program, how to navigate from one program to another, and how to save.  Several software programs are used that help to promote fine motor development and mouse control as well as reinforce what is being taught in the classroom.  The Internet is introduced by accessing designated sites through the St. Mary’s website.

MUSIC
Pre-K music is based on the Orff-Schulwerk methodology, incorporating speech, singing, movement, and instrument playing. The emphasis in each class is the active participation of each child. Students are introduced to pitched and unpitched percussion instruments, and are allowed to move freely and with a steady beat.  Rhythmic patterns are introduced and performed as well as singing and matching pitch.

SPANISH
Our community and environment dictate our focus on the spoken Spanish language in Pre-K.  The curriculum includes greetings, numbers, colors, family members, body parts, weather, and community helpers.  The Spanish program is presented to this age group once a week.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Pre-K PE emphasizes activity and movement focusing on gross motor development.  The children explore, exercise, and refine their large muscle skills with both indoor and outdoor activities using manipulatives, i.e. (hula hoops, beanbags, jump ropes, balls, and etc.).  As coordination of large muscle group’s progress, the children gain control of their gross motor skills and are also taught teambuilding skills.

RELIGION
The curriculum and chapel services are rooted in the Episcopal faith. As part of the curriculum, the students are introduced to Christian Values, as well as bible stories through a variety of activities.  Emphasis on how God wants us to treat each other with kindness, love, and respect, is a recurring theme throughout the year.  Pre-K attends chapel service once a week.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT  
Our Pre-K learning environment is designed to expand and reinforce the child’s love of learning and developing knowledge base. Classrooms are arranged in learning centers, equipped with both permanent materials and additional materials based upon themes of study or curricular focus.  Through involvement with learning centers, children make choices, become active learners, develop cooperative learning skills, learn self -control and practice basic skills.

FIELD TRIPS/RESOURCE SPEAKERS
Field trips and resources speakers are coordinated with the social studies and science units. In addition, the students celebrate many special days in Pre-K.  Among these days are the 100^th day of school, Grandparent’s Day, Blessing of the Pets, Spirit Week, assembly performances, and Reindeer Games.

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School
2101 South Hubert Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
(813) 258-5508
Fax: (813) 258-5603

 

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