3-4 year-olds

List of 9 items.

• Language Arts

  The language arts curriculum, which emphasizes the power of stories and communication, is rich with activities and experiences that encourage listening, speaking, writing and reading readiness. Language arts may be taught as part of math, science, social studies, or any other area of the curriculum. The "Get Set for School" program encourages letter recognition and sounds, develops fine motor skills and encourages creativity.

• Learning Resources

  Teachers recognize students’ unique learning styles and assist them in reaching their full potential by helping them develop strategies for success. Social/emotional support to help children feel secure, successful and happy is also available from the Lower School counselor and our team of educational professionals.

• Library

  Preschoolers enjoy stories that tie into classroom activities as well as the world around them. Books are developmentally appropriate but stretch young students to increase their vocabulary.

• Mathematics

  Beginning in Preschool 3-4, students learn that mathematics is a language that helps us communicate. Our hands-on curriculum develops learners rote counting skills, understanding of one-to-one correspondence, ability to classify and sort objects, as well as their understanding of patterns and base shapes. The “Get Set For School: Numbers and Math” program uses hands-on manipulatives to help guide student understanding of these concepts.

• Music

  Three-year old musical learners work on singing on pitch both with and without instruments and pre-recorded accompaniments. Dancing to simple songs and focusing on keeping a steady beat help develop a sense of rhythm as well as fine and gross motor coordination. Students also explore different kinds of musical sounds and dynamics.

• Physical Education

  What jumps like a frog, flies like an airplane, crawls like a kitten and gallops like a horse? Preschool students who come to the gym ready to move! The goal for PS 3/4 physical education is to introduce the children to explore physical movement with a variety of activities and games. At this age, we will introduce fundamental movement skills which are the foundation for learning more complex skills later in life.

• Science

  The inquiry-based science curriculum offers authentic learning opportunities to budding scientists. The program emphasizes a range of skills including observing, comparing and contrasting, predicting, sorting, and the beginnings of ordered thinking. Topics are integrated with the PYP Units of Inquiry, and are often fluid as in the nature of science itself.

• Spanish

  Preschool students have Spanish lessons twice a week. During class students learn songs, hear stories and engage in movement activities in Spanish. As students become more confident with the language, they begin to answer simple questions. Preschool students also explore cultural aspects of diverse Spanish-speaking countries.

• Swimming

  All Preschool students participate in swim class in our on-site pool. In a nurturing environment, teachers work with the students both in the locker room and in the pool to gain independence and learn how to be safe. 

  
  Swim skills include:

   

  • Safety in and around the pool 
  • Comfort and security in the water
  • Blowing bubbles with face in water
  • Breath control
  • Kicking
  • Wall walking
  • Front glide
  • Crawl stroke 
  • Arm and leg drill on deck and in water
  • Entering and exiting the pool
  • Maneuvering
  • Jumping into water
  • Return to side with assistance
  • Opening eyes under-water
  • Works well with parent(s) and instructor(s)