What is a “typical day” in preschool like?
On a typical day in preschool, the children line up for class in the atrium of the Faith Center. Once most of the class has entered, the children are lead into the classroom where they find their names, hang their bags and coats, and sit on the rug for Community Time. At this time, we sing the Hello Song, have opening prayer, and discuss the calendar (month, date, day of the week). The children take turns putting up the date, asking the weather questions, graphing the weather, and counting the Number of the Day. Much of our “exposure” teaching occurs during Community Time. We are singing, reading, counting, adding, and moving to the number. A great deal of phonics instruction also occurs during this time. We use the children’s “name sticks” to determine who is next. As a child’s name is pulled, we try to determine who’s name it is by giving letter clues, meanwhile the children are learning the letters that are in their names and their friend’s names.
Following Community Time is a story or instructional time on a topic. The children then are given directions for their daily project (we call it their “work”) and they are to complete an age-appropriate task along with teacher and peer assistance. Once the project is complete, the children have Book Time where they are to sit on the rug and look at a specified number of books.
After Book Time, the children are permitted to have Free Play. This is an important learning time for preschoolers as they develop so many learning and social concepts during this time. There is more information about Free Play and the Centers available in the Parent Information Packet. During Free Play, the children also meet in small groups to complete a craft, paint, or explore playdough etc…
Clean up, followed by Music, Poems & Dramatics, Reading of pocket charts, or simply another good book is how we wind down for snack. The children line-up, wait their turn to wash their hands, get their water, and sit/wait to pray. We pray before each snack and thank God for something He made. After snack, the children get their “mail”, coats & bags, and line up to go home. We dismiss the children from the atrium by calling their name and taking them to their family.
How do you discipline the children?
Generally, we do not have discipline problems. We find that if the children are given clear guidelines & rules along with “natural consequences” then they know what is expected of them and few problems occur. When there is a problem, we try to redirect the child to remove him/her from the situation. For example, if a child is throwing blocks or not respecting the other children’s building, then the “natural consequence” would result in that child being gently reminded of the rule and told that the blocks are “closed” to him/her for the rest of the day. We would then assist that child in finding a different learning activity. At any time we have difficulty with your child beyond reasonable classroom situations, we will contact you at dismissal, by note, or by phone. It is imperative that preschool is a safe and positive learning environment for all our students!
Do the children play outside?
Yes. Gross motor skills and outdoor play are an important part of early childhood education. We are fortunate to have a new playground area which allows us to play outdoors when the weather permits.
Class Times Four-Year Old Curriculum Three-Year Old Curriculum
Commonly Asked Questions Communication Field Trips Snacks & Birthdays
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