DEVELOPMENTAL
Goals
Pre-K Picasso
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Children in our Pre-K program explore these concepts. Our overall goal is Kindergarten-readiness, but we recognize that 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.
Mathematics
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Count ten or more objects and identify numerals
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Name many colors
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Understand the concept of time
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Solve verbal mathematical problems
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Understand use of mathematical tools (clock, ruler, scale)
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Understand things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)
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Describe and compare measurable attributes
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One-to-one correspondence of objects
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Sorting by various attributes: color, shape, size
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Patterns: AB, AABB, ABC
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Sizes: small, medium, large
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Shapes: square, rectangle, circle, triangle
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Matching: symbols, shapes, patterns, etc.
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Same and Different
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More, Less, Same
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Time: Day and Night
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Money: Explore through games, songs, and pretend play
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Estimating various theme related objects
Literacy
Emergent Reading
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Exposure to alphabet: letter names and sounds
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Understand that letters make words
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Print and identify letters
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Begin to read short words
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Group words with similar sounds
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Recognize own written name and the written names of friends and family
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Retell familiar stories
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Answer questions about stories
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Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays
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Concepts of print: left to right direction, holding a book right-side-up
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Build new vocabulary
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Build listening skills
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Strengthen visual discrimination
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Sequencing
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Understand that a book has a title, author and/or illustrator
Emergent Writing
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Use a variety of writing tools, materials, and surfaces to create drawings or symbols
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Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences
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Write own name using letter-like forms or conventional print
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Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly
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Intentionally scribble or write to convey meaning
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Organize letters from left to right, identify spaces between words and basic writing concepts
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Begin pre-handwriting and writing skills
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Write the alphabet and numerals so they are mostly legible
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Develop fine motor skills: play dough, scissors, writing utensils, Legos, etc.
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Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum
Science
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Identify objects by their properties and characteristics
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Recognize cause-and-effect relationships in everyday experiences
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Understand how objects, seasons, weather and time develop in predictable patterns
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Use purposeful tools for observing and investigating
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Explore science tools: magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, etc.
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Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations
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Observe insect life
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Observe plant growth
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Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activities
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Identify basic colors and explore color mixing
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Make observational drawings and dictation
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Explore the world with the five senses
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Investigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat
Creative Arts
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Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc.
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Use a variety of art materials: crayons, tempera paint, watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, art chalk, clay
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Experiment with mixing paint colors
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Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum
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Participate in movement songs and dances
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Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythms
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Use a variety of children's instruments
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Participate in dramatic play
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Dramatize familiar stories
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Act out the movements and sounds of animals
Social Skills
Behavioral
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Enjoy and pursue new experiences
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Follow multi-step directions
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Enjoy “grown-up” tasks, with assistance
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Remember auditory and visual/modeled directions in order to complete tasks
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Appreciate the concept of rules, will accept if told “it’s a rule”
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Develop friendships and bonds with other children
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Enjoy singing, dancing and acting
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Show more independence in everyday activities
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Distinguish fantasy from reality
Social and Emotional
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Practice problem-solving skills in social situations
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Work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects
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Share classroom materials with the group
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Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners
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Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed, etc.
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Explore types of work and workers
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Explore modes of transportation
Communication
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Speak in sentences of more than five words with increased vocabulary
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Use “big words”
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Communicate his/her needs
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Tell longer stories with rich details and enjoy explaining things
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Use future tense and master more grammar
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Recall part of a story
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Say own name and address
Jewish Traditions and Holidays
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Introducing children to the joy of Jewish culture and traditions
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Hebrew songs
Physical Development
Gross Motor Skills
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Control movement in a purposeful way
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Stand on one foot for ten seconds or longer
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Hop and do somersaults
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Swing and climb on structures in the playground
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Begin to learn how to skip
Fine Motor Skills
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Copy a triangle and other geometric patterns
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Draw a person with a body
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Print some letters
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Button and unbutton without assistance
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Pour liquid and mash and cut malleable materials
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Use a fork, spoon, and (sometimes) a table knife
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Care for own toilet needs