Pre-K Program Goals

THE GOALS OF OUR PRE-K PROGRAM

At Eastern Christian, we value the abilities and contributions of young children. Our program is designed to help children develop spiritually, educationally, socially and emotionally. Children's learning is enhanced through discovery and hands on learning in a safe, loving and nurturing environment.

• Children will become aware that they are children of God and special to Him.
• Children will develop a positive self-concept.
• Children will develop favorable attitudes toward teachers, form friendships and build positive relationships with peers.
• Children will develop independence and learn to assume responsibility for classroom tasks and routines.
• Children will sit attentively and interact in group situations.
• Children will be able to make simple decisions and develop the ability to solve problems.
• Children will be given many opportunities for their development of readiness and motor skills.

School Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:35 AM to 11:30 PM
Lunch Box and Play Programs available until 3:15 PM

Curriculum:

Bible

Children in the Pre-Kindergarten class learn that they are children of God and that they are special to Him and to others. They realize that the world around them is created by God. They gain knowledge and understanding of Bible stories. Children experience prayer in the classroom and are invited to lead in prayer. Bible lessons include Old Testament stories (Creation and Bible heroes) and the life of Jesus (including miracles and parables) in the New Testament and devotions. Children are taught to exhibit characteristics of Christian living.

Social Interaction

The Pre-Kindergarten children learn to cooperate with others in a classroom setting. They interact in small groups as well as the class as a whole. They learn to work independently and to assume responsibilities. The children learn and follow classroom routines and rules.

Language Development

Pre-Kindergarten students are exposed to a variety of activities to help develop their ability to communicate orally and to comprehend the spoken word Children understand the importance of books and speech. Vocabulary is expanded and attention span is further developed. Children learn to follow directions.

Reading Readiness

Pre-Kindergarten children are engaged in alphabet activities to further letter recognition. They are given activities to help further develop auditory and visual discrimination and an understanding between the written and spoken word. Students understand that words represent thoughts and ideas. Students learn that letters added together form words. Listening skills are further developed and emphasis is given to comprehension and phonemic awareness.

Writing

Students learn the transfer of learned symbols into writing. Children learn to write their names neatly and are introduced to writing their name in capital and lower case letters. They begin to copy easy words.

Math Activities

Children in Pre-Kindergarten develop an awareness of numbers and math concepts. They recognize numbers, rote count and can correctly count objects. They recognize and draw shapes.

Science

The children develop an awareness of the wonders of the world God created and begin to understand basic science concepts. They learn about seeds, the life cycle of the butterfly, weather, seasonal changes and good health habits.

Social Studies

Students are developing a positive self-concept in an atmosphere in which they experience success. Students learn about themselves in relation to others. This includes their relationships within their families, friends and community. They learn their phone numbers and addresses. They learn the days of the week, names of the months and the names and importance of holidays.

Music

Children learn to appreciate music as a creative tool. They use music to sing praise to God and worship Him. Music class enhances learning throughout the curriculum.

Art

Children express themselves artistically and creatively. The making of crafts reinforces learning. Children use a variety of media.

Large Motor Development

Pre-Kindergarten children engage in various large motor activities to help develop balance, control, rhythm and agility. They develop an awareness of their body and how it works. Physical education class is coordinated with other areas of the curriculum.

Fine Motor Development

Pre-Kindergarten students strengthen the muscles needed for writing and gain control over the tools of writing. Attention is given to pencil grasp. Letter formation and neatness in name writing is stressed. Eye-hand coordination is further developed.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES

• Library
• Show and Tell
• Physical Education Class
• Music Class
• Bible Theme
• Church Week
• Theme Days
• Holiday Chapels
• Reading Buddies
• Thanksgiving Feast
• Dad's Pizza Night
• Class Trips
• Conferences
• Grandfriends' Day
• Preschool Picnic
• Camp Sonshine