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Pre-K For ME
Pre-K for ME is a free open source curriculum developed by the Maine Department of Education Early Childhood Division. The curriculum was launched in 2019 and now has additional programs for kindergarten and 1st grade. There are 6 units in the curriculum, and learning progresses from concrete to abstract. While the curriculum centers around language and literacy, there are components for math, science, and social skills that foster a whole child approach to learning.
Each unit has 5 focus books. The focus books contain vocabulary and concepts that weave all the other components in the curriculum together. Supplemental books serve as additional resources for unit topics.
Learning centers allow students to use hands on learning to explore concepts presenting from the read aloud focus books. Learning centers include: blocks, dramatic play, discovery, puzzles and manipulatives, writing, library and listening, art and technology.
SWPLN is all about songs, word play, letters, and numbers. These are playful activities in which students work with phonological awareness, letters and sounds, and math. SWPLN includes chants, poems, songs, word games, and fingerplays.
Group work is targeted learning based on topics from the unit. Students are divided into group with one group working with the lead teacher, one group working with classroom educational technician, and one group doing independent work. Groups rotate during the week to allow each student a turn at each of the small groups.
Let's Find Out About It is a group of whole group lessons that expand upon concepts introduced in our focus books. The lessons can be science based or literacy based. LFOAI lessons are designed to be hands on, interactive, and brief. Students often use information learned in LFOAI during learning centers.
Full group math lesson are alternated with LFOAI lesson. Math is also the focus in one of the weekly small group lessons. Math lessons often include movement, collaboration, and problem solving. Similar to LFOAI, skills learned in whole group math lessons are often incorporated into classroom learning centers.
Thinking and feedback is a reflective time during which students share their work with one another. During thinking and feedback student are asked to look, notice, listen, wonder, suggest, and inspire.
Outdoor learning is a way to connect children to nature. Outdoor learning may take place outside or it may involve bringing natural objects into the classroom. Outdoor learning allows children to be curious and to experiment with real object as they learn about the world around them.