PRE-K CURRICULUM

Spiraling Curriculum: Information and skills connected to and built upon previously learned material. Concepts introduced are continually reviewed and revisited.

Emergent Curriculum: Our curriculum allows children to pursue their own interests and fascinations in subjects.

Children in our Pre-K program explore these concepts, but are not required to master them before entering Kindergarten. Children learn these concepts at their own pace.  Children are taught with hands-on materials, songs, and games. They are assessed by observation and work samples.
 

Math

• Numerals  
• Counting objects
• One-to-one correspondence of objects
• Sorting by various attributes: color, shape, size
• Patterns: AB, AABB, ABC
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• Shapes: square, rectangle, circle, triangle
• Matching: symbols, shapes, patterns, etc.
• Same and Different
• More, Less, Same
• Time: Day and Night
• Money: Explore through games, songs, and pretend play
• Estimation Jar: Estimating various theme related objects

Literacy

• Exposure to alphabet: letter names and sounds
• Recognize, spell, write first name
• Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly
• Retell familiar stories
• Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences
• Answer questions about stories
• Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays
• Concepts of print: left to right direction, holding a book right-side-up
• Build new vocabulary
• Build listening skills
• Strengthen visual discrimination
• Sequencing
• Develop fine motor skills: play dough, scissors, writing utensils, Legos, etc.

Science

• Explore science tools:  magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, etc.

• Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations

• Observe insect life

• Observe plant growth

• Observe weather and plant life during each season

• Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities

• Identify basic colors and explore color mixing

•  Make observational drawings and dictation

•  Explore the world with the five senses

•  Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat

Creative Arts

• Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc.

• Use a variety of art materials: crayons, tempera paint, watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, art chalk, clay

•  Experiment with mixing paint colors

• Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum

• Participate in movement songs and dances

• Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms

• Use a variety of children's instruments

• Participate in dramatic play

• Dramatize familiar stories

• Act out the movements and sounds of animals

Social Skills

• Practice problem-solving skills in social situations

• Work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects

• Share classroom materials with the group

• Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners

• Communicate his/her needs

• Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed, etc.

• State personal information: first and last name, age, school name, city, state, country

• Explore types of work and workers

• Explore modes of transportation

• Participate in projects to help others in need

Jewish Traditions and Holidays

• Imbuing children a love and joy for jewish tradition
• Hebrew songs
• Exposure to Hebrew Alphabet
• Jewish Values, customs and history made relevant and meaningful

Health/Safety:

• We promote hand washing on arrival, after toileting and before eating food. 
• We sanitize tables several times a day. 
•  We have first aid kit on playground.