Pre-K 3
Philosophy
We, at St. Louise, believe that each child that comes to us in a unique and very special creation of
God. We realize that children possess strengths as well as individual needs, which stem from their
potential, personality, and environment. Children have universal needs also: to be successful, to
feel accepted by others, to be loved, and to feel safe and secure in their environment. St. Louise
offers a balance between nurturing aspects of a home environment and the social and learning
opportunities provided in a group setting.
In the beginning of children’s school experience, it is especially important for children to learn to
play cooperatively with others. When children play cooperatively, they gain self-confidence and the
ability to cooperate with others. This results in a significant gain in their development.
Our goal is to meet the individual needs of the children, while instilling in them a love of school
and a desire to learn.
Curriculum
The three-year-old program at St. Louise involves learning through discovery and play. We
emphasize language development, aesthetic activities, and physical development. During each
day, a variety of interesting and stimulating activities are introduced to the children. Developing
appropriate activities include dramatic play, free play, and opportunities to listen to stories and to
spare personal experiences.
The program provides many opportunities for three-year-olds to engage in solitary, parallel, and
cooperative play. We provide uninterrupted time for children to engage in child-directed tasks
and activities. During this time, they are fostering their social-emotional, cognitive, language, and
physical development.
Materials are provided to assist children in developing their fine motor skills. These materials
Include puzzles, beads, pegboards, playdough, blocks, and art materials such as crayons, markers,
paints with brushes, and scissors. Children are given time to explore these materials and
experiment for themselves.
We encourage language development by providing experiences and opportunities for children to
interact with stories, songs, fingerplays, as well as with each other during snack and play times.
During child-directed activities, children are free to choose an activity based upon their individual
Interests as well as their developmental level.
Throughout the year, a variety of thematic units are used to meet the objectives for all curricular
Areas.
Religion Objectives:
- To learn about God by listening to Bible stories.
- To know the Jesus is my friend.
- To get to know about God’s beautiful world.
- To learn about peace and justice by sharing with one another in the classroom.
- To learn that I am special.
Language Objectives:
- To share information and ideas in a group discussion.
- To listen to others.
- To relate personal experiences.
- To recite simple poems, finger plays, and songs.
- To appreciate flannel board stories and picture books.
Math Objectives:
- To recognize and identify:
Shapes – circle, square, triangle, and rectangle
Colors – red, blue, yellow, green, orange, brown, purple, black, and white
- To be able to count to 10.
- To classify and group objects by appearance.
Art Objectives:
- To choose a variety of manipulatives and materials in creating art.
- To experiment with a variety of media for self-expression.
- To use imagination creatively.
- To begin to develop self-confidence in trying new materials and techniques.
- To begin to develop fine motor skills.
Music Objectives:
- To learn to sing simple songs.
- To use rhythm instruments.
- To listen to recordings of songs and stories.
- To engage in musical games.
Physical Development Objectives:
- To begin to develop and coordinate
-Large motor skills by participating in: crawling, twisting, bending, walking, running,
jumping, and hopping.
-Small motor skills by participating in: cutting, tearing, gluing, painting, playing with
playdough, coloring, doing puzzles, stringing beads, and building with blocks
- To participate in group fames involving cooperation.
- To practice good health and safety rules.
Daily Format
Each day is divided into several types of activities. A typical preschool day will include:
Circle Time
We gather as a class to focus on planned learning experiences drawn from all areas of the
curriculum, which includes:
- Community – calendar and weather
- Religion
- Language Arts activities including stories, songs, and finger plays
- Concept development related to the theme
- Movement activities
During circle time, listening and speaking skills are enhanced. A wide variety of materials and
manipulatives are used to make the lessons concrete and interesting.
Project Time
Allow children to participate in a creative are experience.
Snack Time
An opportunity to eat and drink together, and share conversation with one another.
Choice Time
Emphasizes activities involving the large and fine motor skills, whilte interacting socially with
Others.
