Pre-K 

Statement of Philosophy and Classroom Management Plan​

 

Discipline is an important part of a child’s development and learning process.

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Teachers and parents working together to set limits and personal goals concerning behavior is a priority we will strive to achieve.  Our goal is to educate the whole child which also includes positive discipline strategies.  

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Guiding children:

1. Positive reinforcement

2. Redirection

3. Giving children the ability to direct themselves

4. Clear age-appropriate classroom rules
    

Positive reinforcement is used to verbally praise and encourage children to make choices that will have a positive outcome when making decisions. We feel it is important for parents to be involved in helping their child to make decisions that will meet their needs in a positive manner.

 

We believe there are effective ways to praise a child.   When using positive reinforcement to improve or change a child’s behavior, there are guidelines that we strive to follow.  Positive reinforcement should be done immediately. Often, the teacher will make eye contact and praise behavior.

 

Redirecting a child when a conflict arises is often chosen instead of using the time out method.  We find that redirecting a child helps to build cooperation skills and good decision-making skills. Children will gain self control and avoid a power struggle.

 

Even though our children are preschool learners we feel it is important to display our classroom rules in writing.  These rules will be reviewed during morning meeting.

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Classroom rules:

1. Use kind words

2. Be quick to forgive

3. Think before acting

4. Listen

5. Take turns

6. Talk it over

When a serious offense occurs, a firm consequence will take place. A time out will be used as a calming down period.  This will give the child time to reflect and talk one-on- one with the teacher.  We feel it is important, during these more serious situations, that the parent needs to be informed in writing as to what took place. The intention of a behavior slip is to communicate openly with the parent and give the child the opportunity to break down what had happened. A behavioral slip will be sent home with the following information:

1. Tell what happened.

2. What classroom rules did you not follow?

3. What should happen now?

4. Teachers’ decision on what should happen (consequence)

5. How can you work on this so it will not happen again?

6. Teacher will sign and date. Copy will be sent home to parent.

7. If behavior continues, a parent teacher conference will take place.

 

Our goal as teachers is to give each child the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential.

                          

 

Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

(Some examples included below)

 

Religion

1. As a prerequisite to coming to know God, it is important for the students to know and appreciate themselves and family and how special they all are.

 

Social Development

The student will have opportunity to:

1. participate in large group activities

2. practice responsibility

3. be able to take care of his or her own needs

4. exercise self-control

5. respect the needs and right of others

6. learn and accept class routine

7. follow simple directions

 

Language Arts

The student will have opportunity to:

1. recognize his/her first and last name when heard

2. recognize his/her first name when printed

3. enjoy and understand stories read to him/her

4. follow oral directions (one-two-and three step)

5. use complete sentences when making a statement or asking a question

6. participate in group discussion

7. recall details of oral communication

8. participate in plays, skits, puppetry, and other types of drama

9. participate in group recitation of finger play and nursery rhymes

10. develop individual stories through picture

11. say full name, address, and telephone number

 

Mathematical Concepts

Students in Pre-Kindergarten class will be introduced to math through the use of concrete materials. They will learn mostly by hands on and visual manipulatives. Students will have opportunity to:

1. sort and classify objects in numerous ways

2. develop a sense of pattern

3. understand the counting order

4. make comparisons in size, measurement, etc…

5. recognize basic numbers by sight 1-20

 

Science Exploration

The primary objective in Pre-Kindergarten at Mount Merici Academy will be to establish an early foundation and awareness of scientific discovery and exploration. Through exposure and introductory activities of a hands-on and interactive learning nature, science will then be built upon in a more academically structured manner while continuing to incorporate “learning-by doing” further during grades Kindergarten through Grade Six.

1. explore their five senses

2. observe changes in weather

3. compare forms of plant and animal life

4. gain respect for their environment

5. develop an understanding of their own growth

6. become aware of the living things around us

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Social Studies

The students will have the opportunity to experience the following as they learn to become better citizens:

1. learn to recognize their place in the family

2. develop a positive self concept

c.  Child Lures Child Safety program will be introduced to the children to help guide them in learning about their personal safety.

 

Technology

• Children will be introduced to computers through tablets

• Including development of hand-eye coordination

• Math Concepts

• Language Arts, and Literature

• Practice using the keyboard

 

Physical Education

Students in Pre-Kindergarten classroom will gain commitment to personal health and well-being through activities that require them to share with others and participate in large group activities. The students will be introduced to equipment such as balls, hula hoops, jump ropes, etc…Much emphasis will be placed upon gross motor skills, cooperation, sharing and respect for others.

 

Art

Pre-Kindergarten students will, throughout the year, have many different opportunities to express themselves through a variety of materials. (Finger-paints, watercolors, colored chalk, glue, crayons, and clay. This is an enjoyment period for the students and will give them more ways of expressing themselves.

 

Music                                                                                                                    

The children will be able to enjoy singing and hands on experiences with musical instruments. They will discover that this too is a way of expressing themselves and is a form of art.

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Pre-K Daily Schedule

 

7:20-7:40               Drop Off/Free Play

7:45 - 8:00            Our day begins/Morning Meeting

8:00 - 8:50            Free play and small group time. Small group time is different from day to day.

8:50 - 9:00            Bell rings for clean up time.

9:00 - 9:15            Circle time (calendar, story time, circle time activity).

9:15 - 9:45            Snack time/Books and Puzzles

9:45 - 9:55            Bathroom, drinks, heads down for short rest to get ready for next activity.

9:55 - 10:30          Instructional academic time.

10:30 - 10:45        Prayer and pack up to go home.

10:45 - 11:00        Recess

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Childcare Program​

11:05 - 11:35        Lunch Time

11:35 - 11:45        Bathroom, drinks, get ready for rest time

11:45 - 12:45        Rest time

12:45 - 1:30          Free play

1:30 - 1:45            Clean up, pack for dismissal or merge into Aftercare.