In Pre-K, we learn about our world through playing, singing, creating, reading, acting, cooking, and other discovery methods. Our day includes a balance of small and large group activities. We focus on learning through themes.

Children spend a portion of the day in learning centers, where they work either independently or with others, using instructional materials to explore subject areas. They develop social and team-building skills, plus they learn to follow directions, and make choices. Learning centers reinforce and extend classroom lessons. Our centers include reading, writing, listening, science/discovery, computer, housekeeping, dramatic play, blocks and math/manipulatives. So, even though they may appear to be playing, they are actually learning, too.

At the beginning of the school year, much emphasis is placed on learning routines. Children are taught procedures for everything, including how to sit, line up, clean up, and care for books and equipment. This can be repetitious and tedious, but it is well worth it, because once the routines are in place, everything runs smoothly.

Bulletin Boards & Door Displays
Library Corner
Our library corner is well-stocked with a large assortment of books, big books and puppets. There is a rug, a small couch, chair and beanbag. In the listening area, children can listen to and read along with books on tape. We also have a lending library, where children can borrow books to read at home. More to follow...
Listening Center
Writing Center
Our writing center has lined and unlined paper, pencils, crayons, word cards, name cards, alphabet stamps, stencils and other tools to help children develop their writing ability.
Art Center
Here is where we create! Paper, scissors, crayons, markers, pencils, glitter, glue, pompoms, pipecleaners, buttons, shells, sequins...the list goes on. Some of our projects are open-ended, where the kids can just sit down and make stuff, using whatever art supplies are available. This is called process art, because the focus is on the process rather than the product. But we also do product-oriented art, or crafts, where we teach the children step-by-step what to do to achieve the finished product. I believe both types are important.
Block Center
Playing with blocks teaches important mathematical concepts such as size, weight, and even beginning fractions. Children learn problem-solving skills, as well. Throughout the year, they will go from building simple constructions to more complex designs. We are equipped with new hardwood unit blocks, soft foam blocks and Lego blocks, plus many props such as road signs, cars and people.
Math/Manipulatives

We have many different types of manipulatives that children can use to help develop math skills like counting, sorting, comparing and contrasting. They can also be used for building and creating imaginitive structures. We have lots of puzzles, too, which help with logical thinking and spatial reasoning. Beading and lacing activities help develop fine motor skills.

Housekeeping/Dramatic Play
In this popular center, children can use their imaginations and pretend in a small-scale house setting, with a complete kitchen set, washer/dryer, pretend food items, a shopping cart and more. There are also many multicultural dolls, clothing and costumes available. And yes, the boys love it, too! But it's not just playing house. Depending on what we are learning, this center might be turned into a store, a doctor's office, or just about anything.
Science/Discovery Center
We have magnets, color mixing, magnifying lenses, and other tools to help children observe and explore seasonal objects such as leaves, pinecones and shells. The center is also equipped with books and games to reinforce these concepts.
Sand/Water Table
Part of the Science Center, the sand table is actually more of a sensory table. Sometimes we fill it with other textural substances such as rice. Children enjoy playing with it, and using the tools/toys that go with it. At the water table, they can explore concepts like sinking/ floating, color-mixing and bubbles. Both tables provide opportunities for measuring, comparing/contrasting and decision-making.
Music Center
Music is an important part of our daily routine. In addition to our daily songs, this center features many musical instruments, including bells, triangles, tambourines, rhythm sticks, xylophones and more.
Computer Center
We have 1 computer, which can be used by 2 children at a time. We have a variety of educational software for them to choose from, as well as carefully selected websites to reinforce something we have learned. I also use the computer as an instructional tool in the classroom.