Children in this class need to be four years old by December 31st. The main objective of this class is to prepare the children for kindergarten academically, emotionally and socially in a safe and loving environment.
Practicing mutual respect, kindness and fair play are important lessons encouraged daily to foster every child’s self esteem. Alphabet and number skills are part of our daily agenda.
Art and craft projects, worksheets, stories and discussions are focused around a particular letter of the week. The children work on an alphabet book throughout the year, which includes a homework assignment of bringing in pictures of familiar objects that begin with the letter of the week and pasting them into their books.
Seasonal and holiday themes are used to enhance and excite our math, science, alphabet and community studies. Weekly Reader, show and tell and “someone special” are also part of our weekly activities.
We encourage our parents with special interests or talents to come and share their interests with the children.
With three separate rooms to explore the children have time during free play to choose a variety of activities including painting, drawing, puzzles, blocks and dress-up. Daily outdoor activity, weather permitting, is one of the most enjoyable times of the day for the children.
During the course of the year parents are invited to attend several presentations given by the children. A Thanksgiving Day celebration, a Mother’s Day Tea and our end of the year graduation play and ceremony.
School trips include a visit to a farm stand, a nature walk, a tour of the local firehouse and a walking trip to the local library. The children also enjoy visits to our school by local dentists, doctors, police officers and programs such as “Whale Wonders” sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension.
We participate in a Trike-a-Thon(bicycle safety) to help raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital for Children and the Toys for Tots drive during the holidays.
Book-It for Beginners is another program we participate in to get the children excited about reading both at school and at home.
The children’s accomplishments are celebrated at a special party held the Friday evening before graduation from 5-7p.m. at our school. The party includes dinner, entertainment and goody bags. Our Graduation ceremony and play is held on the following Friday morning.