Four Year Olds
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Mixed Three & Four Year Old Classes
Pre-Kindergarten, Full Day Class
Pre-Kindergarten, Morning & Afternoon
Mixed Three and Four Year Old
Classes
Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri 9:00 - 11:30 am
12:15 - 2:45 pm
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Age: must be Three by September 1
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This dynamic yet structured experience within a large space is most often termed "the Open Classroom." By co-mingling, three and four year olds achieve harmony and opportunities for growth. While older students practice the leadership that prepares them for a successful transition to Kindergarten, younger students benefit from this modeling. All children focus on age-appropriate skills through hands-on manipulatives and learn new concepts from both their teachers and peers.
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After a brief welcoming circle, students rotate to various centers where teaching staff work with individuals and small groups. Learning Centers provide multi-sensory experiences and may include math, language arts, literacy, handwriting, science and social studies, sensory, art, dramatic play, and blocks.
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"Handwriting Without Tears" methodology encourages early letter formation and writing. Environmental Education, Physical Education, "Elements of Art," Felt Board Stories, field trips, and special guest visits enhance this early school experience.
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Typical Day:
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Arrival and Check-in
Free-choice gathering activities
Clean-up
Class meeting with theme introductions
Teacher-directed centers
Clean-up
Class meeting and read-aloud time
Healthy snack
Playground
Lunch
Free-choice gathering activities
Clean-up
Class meeting with theme introductions
Teacher-directed centers
Clean-up
Class meeting and read-aloud time
Healthy snack
Playground
Dismissal
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs/Fri 9:00 am - 2:45 pm
Age: must be Four by September 1
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Also known as the "Full Day Class," this warm and nurturing environment supports children who split their time between the Open and the Pre-Kindergarten Classrooms, so as to grow socially, emotionally, and intellectually. They are encouraged by teachers and peers as they develop in all growth areas and prepare for transition to Kindergarten.
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As children learn best by doing, teachers provide a variety of hands-on activities and multi-sensory experiences. Language, pre-math, pre-reading, social studies, and science are inspired by developmentally appropriate expectations, as well as guided by student-generated interests.
"Handwriting Without Tears" shapes literacy instruction. Environmental Education, Physical Education, "Art Inspired by Nature" and "Native American Art," and Mindful Exercise enhance this school experience.
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A unique feature of the Pre-Kindergarten component is the study of the Lifecycle of the Bald Eagle through the National Arboretum of Washington DC, which inspires learning through student journaling of what is observed.
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Typical Day:
Arrival and Check-in
Free-choice gathering activities
Clean-up
Class meeting with theme introductions
Teacher-directed centers
Clean-up
Class meeting and read-aloud time
Healthy snack
Playground
Lunch
Free-choice gathering activities
Clean-up
Class meeting with theme introductions
Teacher-directed centers
Clean-up
Class meeting and read-aloud time
Healthy snack
Playground
Dismissal
Pre-Kindergarten, Full Day Class
Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri 9:00 - 11:30 am
12:15 - 2:45 pm
Age: must be Four by September 1
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Pre-Kindergarten prepares students for entry into Kindergarten the following school year by providing advanced practice and learning in the pre-academic skills of literacy, math, science, and social studies.
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The day begins and ends with circle time, which may include a discussion, story, hands-on project or movement activity. The curriculum theme introduced at the first circle directs learning centers throughout the rest of the day. Such centers guide learning through developmentally-appropriate "hands on" activities.
Problem-solving skills are promoted as part of an integrated curriculum, which draws from "Handwriting Without Tears" methodology. Children enjoy part of each day outside on the playground, as well.
Regular specials in Environmental Education, Physical Education, "Art Inspired by Nature" and "Native American Indian Art," and Mindful Exercise enhance this school experience.
​
A unique feature of this class is the study of the Lifecycle of the Bald Eagle through the National Arboretum of Washington DC, which inspires learning through student journaling of what is observed.
​
Typical Day:
​
Arrival and Check-in
Free-choice gathering activities
Clean-up
Class meeting with theme introduction
Teacher-directed centers
Clean-up
Second meeting and read-aloud time
Healthy snack
Playground
Dismissal