Preschool Curriculum

Biblical Studies: We not only experience a daily Bible time, but Christian instruction is integrated in all curriculum areas and play. Our curriculum, One in Christ, emphasizes the child’s relationship to God, to others, and to his/her world. The Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter are very significant. Through the use of flannel graph, vinyl graph, puppets, other visual, and dramatization, the Bible stories come alive for the children. We daily sing and pray to our Savior and Friend, Jesus, who always loves and forgives us.

Language Arts: Through the use of fun games and hands-on experiences, the children are given opportunities to develop the foundation skills for reading at their own pace. These skills include: ability to follow directions, matching, visual and auditory memory, sorting, sense of sequence, visual and auditory discrimination, and a desire to read. Picture books are read daily to the children, both at story time and to individuals at free play. Name recognition is a goal for this class. The introduction of alphabet letters in various activities is a curriculum goal for those who are 4 year-olds; however, mastery of letter recognition is not expected. 

Mathematics: Number concepts are developed by engaging in activities which involve comparison, observation, sequencing, and counting real objects. Students who are three year-olds will learn size, shapes such as circle, triangle, and square, and recognition of the numbers 1-5. Flannel graph, finger plays, and action songs are extremely important, as well as working with concrete objects such as straws, beads, blocks, balls, bean bags, toys, candy, etc. to play number games. Students who are four year-olds will be introduced to pre-math skills which include one to one correspondence, sorting and classifying, simple measurement and comparison, identification of shapes, and development of simple patterns. Rote counting to ten (10) will be practiced and sets 1-10 will be introduced. Numeral recognition of 1-10 will be introduced but mastery is not expected.

Science: Through the use of all our senses, we discover God’s world around us. We participate in simple STEM experiences. We talk about the seasons and the changes that occur and how animals are affected. We learn about zoo animals, farm animals, and water animals, and we learn about caring for pets. We talk about new growth and plant seeds and watch them grow. Through the use of all our senses, we discover God’s creation.  In-school field trips have been provided by the Children’s Museum, the Science Center and the Pittsburgh Zoo.

Social Studies: Through positive experiences we strive to help the students understand and care about the people in his/her world. We learn the value of family, church, community helpers, health, safety habits, and good manners. We invite visitors into the classroom to tell about their work in the community. We also stress and talk about feelings and emotions, taking turns, growth, holidays, and sharing.

Physical Education, Fine Motor Skills: During free play and in planned art or learning activities, the children learn new fine motor skills and practice those already mastered. Coordination gradually develops as the children fix puzzles, play with playdough, build with blocks, play with the manipulative games, use glue and play rhythm sticks and instruments. We begin the first steps in cutting with scissors, often by cutting play dough or scrap pieces of paper at random at the Writing Center. Students who are four year-olds will be encouraged to form the letters in their first names. “Handwriting Without Tears” materials are used in the classroom.

Physical Education, Gross Motor Skills: Many opportunities are offered throughout each session to practice control and enhance the development of the body. This takes place during active songs and games, exercise, and in conjunction with planned learning activities. These skills include walking, starting and stopping, marching or moving to music, hopping on two feet, running, walking on tiptoe, jumping, throwing and catching a ball, manipulating bean bags, walking on balance beam, and simple tumbling activities on a mat. Large muscles are also developed by using the playground and equipment in the Large Motor room.

Art: We use art as a means of self-expression, discovery, enjoyment, and accomplishment. We encourage experimenting and creating with many types of media: tempera paints, finger paints, water colors, play dough, paper, collage materials, colored tissue paper, yarn, cloth, glue, sponges, crayons, and markers. We also offer many craft activities to develop fine motor skills or learning skills, encouraging creativity as much as possible. Creative self-expression will be encouraged with the process being more important than the product. Creative expression is also encouraged in dramatic play, and field trips have been taken to the Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater.

Music: We surround the children with music. It is integrated into the overall learning experiences of each day for enjoyment and communication. Music is used for getting acquainted, transitions, giving directions, quieting groups, developing cognitive skills, gross motor development, developing listening skills and auditory perception, and most important, praising God. Activities include singing, rhythmic activities, musical games, playing rhythm instruments, creative movement, action songs, and finger plays. Field trips have been taken  to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra School Time performance.