We will focus on building your child’s confidence and self-esteem through experiences that require independence such as: a job of the week, unpacking his/her things in the morning, cleaning up after himself/herself, etc. Four-year old’s will also work on resolving conflicts, cooperating with others, problem solving, and expressing their feelings. Your child will learn these social/emotional skills through activities in large and small groups during centers and snack/lunch time with friends and during free play in the room or on the playground. These skills are what will help your child succeed in life and are considered to be the most important skills needed to transition smoothly to elementary school. 

 

Our curriculum is based on learning through songs, finger plays, repetition, play, and books. Here are some highlights of our 4-year-old curriculum:

 

Theme and Bible Story of the Week

• School-wide theme and bible story of the week

• Open-ended questions and discussions to enhance thinking and listening skills

• Visual aids and props used to aid in learning

 

Letter of the Week

• Letters introduced according to the developmental order of writing (straight lines, curved lines, then slanted lines)

• Review of upper and lower-case letters and introduction to letter sounds

• ABC letter page reinforces writing and coloring (Please note that writing and coloring will not be forced!)

• Alphatales Books used to introduce individual letters and words that begin with that letter

• My (Letter) Books used to introduce individual letters and sounds and words that begin with that letter

• Picture Cards used to introduce a letter and its sound

 

Fundations

• Fundations curriculum used to teach letter formation, to correctly write each letter 

• Letter pages aligned to Fundations curriculum

 

Math Skills

• Large group instruction daily

• Small group instruction once a week

• Skills include colors, basic shapes, geometric shapes, sorting, patterns, exposure to numbers 1-100, positions, graphing, classifying, ordering, height/weight, and estimation

• Number of the week to reinforce numbers and values

• Math activities and manipulatives present in various centers

 

Science Skills

• Touch and visual exploration in centers and activities

• Problem solving and discovery

• Sensory table available at least two times a week

• Attend the science room once a week

• Outdoor learning center available to classrooms: garden, picnic, and music area

 

Social and Emotional Skills

• Learn skills through play in centers: dramatic play, block, manipulatives, science, art, music, and library

• Character education traits discussed daily with monthly themed traits

• Various jobs throughout the classroom which include unpacking and packing up bookbag

• Listening and following directions

 

Language Skills

• Opportunities to express self during circle activities: open-ended questions, calendar, daily news, weather, Pledge of Allegiance, theme of week, Bible story of week, daily math concept, group songs, science, stories

• Introduction to letter sounds, blend sounds, and sight words

• Reading comprehension and communicating ideas

• Journaling with pictures and words

• Show and Share will be scheduled at least once a month per child

 

Fine and Gross Motor Skills

• Play daily on playground or in the gym weather permitting with age-appropriate toys

• Classroom art with use of markers, pencils, scissors, glue, paints, etc.

• Movement activities in classroom

• Magnetic pieces used to build hand strength and eye-hand coordination

 

Please keep in mind that all children develop their skills at different rates. Studies have shown that developmental skills of children even out around second or third grade. With this in mind, understand that we are introducing lessons and skills to your children. Children are sponges and will take in the information and let it “pour out” when they are ready. One cannot force a child to do something that they are not ready to do.

 

Please note that your child’s teacher will be in communication with you on what is best for your child. Optional conferences will be held in November to communicate how your child is progressing. Developmental conferences which include individualized testing results will be held during January. Transitional Kindergarten registration forms will be due Friday, January 22, 2022. Christ Lutheran has an open-door policy; you may request a conference at any time during the year.