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

• Count ten or more objects and identify numerals

• Name many colors

• Understand the concept of time

• Solve verbal mathematical problems

• Understand use of mathematical tools (clock, ruler, scale)

• Understand things used every day in the home (money, food, appliances)

• Describe and compare measurable attributes

• 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

• Estimating various theme related objects

 

Literacy

 

Emergent Reading

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• Exposure to alphabet: letter names and sounds

• Understand that letters make words

• Print and identify letters

• Begin to read short words

• Group words with similar sounds

• Recognize own written name and the written names of friends and family

• Retell familiar stories

• 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

• 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

• Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences

• Write own name using letter-like forms or conventional print

• Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly

• Intentionally scribble or write to convey meaning

• Organize letters from left to right, identify spaces between words and basic writing concepts

• Begin pre-handwriting and writing skills

• Write the alphabet and numerals so they are mostly legible

• Develop fine motor skills: play dough, scissors, writing utensils, Legos, etc.

• Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum

  

Science

• Identify objects by their properties and characteristics

• Recognize cause-and-effect relationships in everyday experiences

• Understand how objects, seasons, weather and time develop in predictable patterns

• Use purposeful tools for observing and investigating

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

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

• Observe insect life

• Observe plant growth

• 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

 

Behavioral

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• Enjoy and pursue new experiences

• Follow multi-step directions

• Enjoy “grown-up” tasks, with assistance

• Remember auditory and visual/modeled directions in order to complete tasks

• Appreciate the concept of rules, will accept if told “it’s a rule”

• Develop friendships and bonds with other children

• Enjoy singing, dancing and acting

• Show more independence in everyday activities

• Distinguish fantasy from reality

 

Social and Emotional

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• 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

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

• Explore types of work and workers

• Explore modes of transportation

 

Communication

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• Speak in sentences of more than five words with increased vocabulary

• Use “big words”

• Communicate his/her needs

• Tell longer stories with rich details and enjoy explaining things

• Use future tense and master more grammar

• Recall part of a story

• Say own name and address

• Use writing, pictures, and play to express ideas

 

Jewish Traditions and Holidays

• Introducing children to the joy of Jewish culture and traditions

• Hebrew songs

 

Physical Development

 

Gross Motor Skills

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• Control movement in a purposeful way

• Stand on one foot for ten seconds or longer

• Hop and do somersaults

• Swing and climb on structures in the playground

• Begin to learn how to skip

 

Fine Motor Skills

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• Copy a triangle and other geometric patterns

• Draw a person with a body

• Print some letters

• Button and unbutton without assistance

• Pour liquid and mash and cut malleable materials

• Use a fork, spoon, and (sometimes) a table knife

• Care for own toilet needs