Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum
The main goal in the pre-kindergarten program is to help every child achieve a positive sense of self. We help children learn socialization skills in a friendly, loving, and learning environment. The pre-kindergarten program consists of an academic curriculum with enrichment activities. The children have opportunities for hands-on experiences to develop fine and gross motor skills.
Religion
Children will use the I AM SPECIAL text, which concentrates on thanking God for a wonderful world. We also teach them how to pray to God and thank Him for all He has done for us.
Safe Environment for Children
The Diocese of Oakland’s Safe Environment for Children Project was developed using the Guidelines for Safe Environment Programs from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop’s Office of Child Youth Protection. These guidelines state that: “Training programs for children and young people should include age appropriate materials pertaining to personal safety. This includes information about improper touching and relationships. Children are not expected to be fully knowledgeable about child abuse or of the laws governing care of children but they need to know when they should seek assistance from a trusted adult.”
The Safe Environment for Children Project requires that a personal safety curriculum implemented for students in grades K through 12, in both Catholic schools and parish religious education programs.
Learning Objectives:
Prekindergarten – Grade Three
To raise children’s awareness that they are valued by God.
To raise children’s awareness around the issue of child safety and child abuse
To empower children so that they may feel comfortable saying “no” in a potentially abusive situation.
To help children see God as a source of comfort in their lives.
To help children understand child sexual abuse.
To help children identify trusted adults they can go to disclose situations in their lives that make them feel unsafe.
Phonics
The Zaner-Bloser Phonics Program concentrates on recognition of letters, learning the sounds and writing uppercase and lowercase letters. The program helps develop listening and speaking skills.
Literature
Children are introduced to reading comprehension by using critical thinking skills and question and answer activities. Storytelling, poems, rhymes, and make-believe play support and encourage language development. After Christmas, the children will be introduced to the concept of writing by drawing pictures in their daily journals.
Math
We have adopted the Scott Foresman Math series to be in alignment with the math program for kindergarten through fifth grade. Students will be taught to recognize, write, and count numbers 1-20. Hands-on activities will be used to develop an understanding of counting, patterns, sorting, and classifying.
Computers
Children will be taught the function of the mouse and how to open and close programs. They will be using software that supports learning the functions of the keyboard and reinforcement of the alphabet.
Physical Education
Rhythm and Moves Physical Education Program will be teaching small and large motor skills as well as sportsmanship and teamwork. The children will have P.E. twice a week.
Music
The children will learn the importance of rhythm, listening skills, and class participation. We use a variety of cultural music and instruments in our classroom. The children will also attend music class once a week with the school music teacher.
Art
Art is important for the development of individual expression, feelings, and thoughts. Assorted mediums and textures will be used to encourage and foster creative talents. The children will have art class once a week with Ms. Colburn, our school art teacher.
Free Play Time
Children will have time each day to visit the different learning centers in the classroom. These activities change from week to week and include building blocks, dramatic play/dress up, playhouse, legos, connector cubes, puzzles, sand table, easel painting, drawing, coloring, counting, and more.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills include writing, cutting, gluing, beading, stringing, coloring, painting.
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills include playing on the Big Toy, jumping, running, hopping, skipping, dancing, catching and throwing balls, and using hula-hoops.
Conflict Resolutions
Pre-kindergarten students are taught conflict resolution skills and will be supported in using them when necessary. These skills will emphasize peaceful and respectful behavior. Other areas include discussion on diversity, special needs, values, and safety.
Eighth Grade Buddies
Pre-kindergarten children will work cooperatively with their eighth grade buddies throughout the school year. Each child has the opportunity to spend time with an eighth grader to work on art projects, reading, and story writing. This special program allows younger and older children to work together and to form friendships.
Faith Families
The Faith Families program is a school wide program of activities that bring students from all grade levels together as a school family, a community. Children participate in prayer services, seasonal activities, art projects, luncheons, and take part in the Baccalaureate Mass in June.