Once kids reach the preschool level, there interactions with other children as well as adults become more vocal. Using their words and saying what they need or how they feel becomes much more frequent. At this age, kids take their exploration, curiosity, and play to new heights. They become much more interested in how things work and figuring out how to make things work or create something. They can take multiple sets of materials to carry out one specific plan or multiple plans. They become much more involved and creative in imaginative play. For example, they will take on the role of someone else, like a mom or dad, police officer, doctor. It is important to know that each child develops independently and at their own pace. We use tools such as COR to help build off their current skills and encourage them to work on new skills.
At this level, there are several characteristics that are noticed. These include:
- Beginning to form letters and numbers
- Recognition of numbers and letters
- Fine motor skills developing such as cutting simple shapes using small scissors
- Being able to count objects up to 10 in one to one correspondence
- Recognizing five or more colors
- Being able to dress themselves
- Going from scribbling to making more recognizable and descriptive drawings that include a body with head, arms, legs in the appropriate place
- Beginning to understand and express emotions
Curriculum
At Heartfelt Impressions, we use the Highscope Curriculum. With Highscope, there is a predictable daily routine that the kids follow each day. Within each events of the daily routine, each child is allowed to make their own choices, follow their interests, and develop in each key area at their own pace. The daily lesson plans and the organization of the room is structured based on the interests and needs of the children in the room. We use tool such as the Key Developmental Indicators (KDIs) and Child Observation Record (COR) to help plan lesson plans daily. These tools help us plan activities to scaffold each child’s individual learning and assess where each child is at. The lesson plans focus on small group, large group, planning, work time, and recall activities. While learning takes places in all areas of the day, these areas are the main portions of the day. During small group, the class splits into 2 groups. The children stay with this teacher for the year, unless changes have to be made. This is to ensure a deep connection between child and teacher
Items Needed
3 Extra Outfits
3 Extra Socks
Family Picture
Swimsuit
Towel
Water Shoes
Boots
Snow Pants
Jacket
Hat/Gloves
Raincoat
Rain Boots
Water Bottles
Sunscreen
Blanket
Sample Schedule
5:30-7:30 Arrival/Quiet Activities
7:30-8:40 Breakfast/Outside
8:40-8:55 Sign In/Books
8:55-9:05 Message Board
9:05-9:20 Large Group
9:20-9:40 Small Group
9:40-10:00 AM Snack
10:00-11:00 Outside
11:00-11:10 Planning
11:10-12:10 Work Time
12:10-12:20 Recall
12:20-12:55 Lunch
12:55-3:00 Rest Time
3:00-3:15 Wake Up/Brush Teeth
3:15-3:35 PM Snack
3:35-5:00 Outside
5:00- 5:30 Water Break/Books
5:30-5:45 Late Snack
5:45-6:30 Work Time/Departure
F.A.Q.
In preschool, a 1:10 ratio is being utilized. In the preschool room, potty training is a focus as the kids are encouraged to try and go on the toilet as they are making that big shift from diapers to underwear. Exploring our feelings, using our words, and gaining independence is a major focus at the preschool level. Once kids reach preschool, their emerging independence and growth allows us to run the 1:10 ratio in the preschool room.
We provide diapers, wipes, breakfast, two snacks, and lunch.
We use an app called Brightwheel to communicate and share the activities your child does throughout the day. Some of these activities include: pictures, lesson plans, potty times, snacks, lunches, and naps. We will also send out messages for any special events that will take place.
No, we work as a team between family and school to help your child potty train. At this age, potty training can be a little intimidating for kids. Going from a diaper to underwear is a big step but adequate preparation can help ease the stress. When kids do reach age 3, some enjoy the idea of having the diaper to go the bathroom in due to ease. Encouraging your child to sit on the toilet each time you do a diaper change is beneficial. Having them sit each time helps them by planting that thought in their mind and makes sitting on the toilet less intimidating. When making this switch, it helps to make it a game or include a special story or song. Once your child gains the comfortability going on the toilet, it is less stressful for them and for yourself. Once in underwear for the first time, it is important to bring extra underwear as accidents can be more prominent within the first few weeks of transitioning.
We do not force naps. However, we lay out a mat for the child to rest on and after about 20 minutes or so, if the child is still awake, we will provide them with a quiet activity to do or provide them with a nap bag of quiet materials.
Heartfelt does it best because we are continuing to help kids grow and discover new and amazing things. We encourage them to use the materials they see fit and to come up with a situation unique to their needs and desires. It is a strong desire of ours to see that we are giving each child their own power and allow them to manipulate any given situation and grow at their pace.