The overall goal of St. Joseph School Preschool Program is that children love learning. 

Students will be exposed to the following concepts during the course of the school year. 

Students will use a variety of hands-on materials, songs, and games. 

They will be assessed by observation and work samples. We focus on Kindergarten readiness while having fun learning.

Religion

*listening to Old and New Testament stories

*recognizing that plants, animals, and human beings are God’s creation

*recognizing that God created families to love and take care of one another

*learning and exploring the life of Jesus: the people He met and the things He did

*following Jesus’ teachings to love Him and others

*learning about special holy days in our church and how we are part of a Catholic Church

family

Literacy 

*exposing students to the alphabet: letter names and sounds

*recognizing, spelling, and writing first name

*retelling familiar stories

*drawing pictures and dictating sentences about stories and experiences

*answering comprehensive questions and recalling details of a story

*repeating simple nursery rhymes and finger plays

*understanding concepts of print: left to right

direction and top to bottom formation – holding a book right side up

*building new vocabulary

Math

*identifying geometric shapes

*counting using one-to-one correspondence

*sorting objects by various attributes: color, shape, and size

*exposing students to patterns: AB, AABB, and ABC

*exposing students to sizes: small, medium, and large

*exposing students to concepts of time: day and night

*exposing students to money: explore through games, songs, and pretend play

*counting up to 31 on a calendar with exposure to 100

Science

*exploring science tools; magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, etc.

*exploring the world through nature walks and hands-on/discovery experiences

*observing insect life

*observing the life-cycle of a plant

Technology 

*using ipads for educational programs

*using and interacting with a SmartBoard to promote skill development

Communication Goals

4-year old preschoolers will be exposed to large and small group activities where they will be

developing social manners, cooperation, and problem solving skills. The goals for the students are:

-Taking appropriate turns in conversation

-Answering questions directly

-Drawing and creating own stories

-Following directions in a sequential order

-Expressing feelings in an appropriate manner

-Verbally communicating needs and thoughts

Motor Goals

4-year old preschool children will be exposed to various fine and gross motor activities. Students will be given opportunities to participate in gross motor play through outside play and indoor activites such as dance. Students will also be given opportunities to manipulate scissors, trace and write their names using various materials and pencils, and use educational manipulatives. The goals for the students are:

-Holding a pencil correctly

-Building elaborate construction with blocks and accessories

-Cutting along curved and straight lines

-Gluing appropriately

-Forming letters and numbers using top bottom formation

Cognitive Goals 

Preschool children will be exposed to authentic literature and beginning phonics through weekly themes, and weekly letter work. Students will work in small groups to increase attention time on a given task. The goals for the students are:

Personal/Social Goals

4-year old preschool  children will be interacting with one another throughout the day. The social/personal goals of the

Pre-Kindergarten class are the most important for the students. The children will be exposed to the life of

Jesus and how they can follow His example. To treat one another with respect and courtesy is the most important

goal for us to obtain. The goals for the students are:

*being aware of manners

*recognizing authority and respecting the rights of others

*using classroom materials meaningfully and purposefully

*participating in positive play with other children

*respecting other children’s belongings

*taking turns

*helping clean up after play and work time

*accepting responsibility for own actions

*practicing appropriate problem-solving skills in social situations

 Rewards

Verbal Encouragement/Praise

Stickers

Positive Certificates & Notes Home

Celebrations

Visit to the Treasure Box

We focus primarily on positive reinforcement and rewards with the students. We help plant the seeds of self-discipline.

Consequences

(Consequences depend on the situation and individual child.)

Reminder of rules

Verbal Warning

Nonverbal clue 

Logical consequence (For example, give back what was taken)

Removal from the activity

Time out

Behavior Note home

Call home

Behavior System

Our classroom will use a positive reinforcement system for behavior. At St. Joseph Preschool, we strive to teach children to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful to others and themselves.  We work daily with children on problem solving skills and working through situations verbally. It takes time to adjust to a new classroom, teachers, classmates and routine. Be patient. Students usually show a lot of growth in the first quarter.  We believe that teaching expectations, redirection, positive encouragement, motivational rewards and loving our students right where they are is working beautifully in our classrooms! Occasionally a student will need an individualized behavior plan to help achieve the classroom goals.  In such a case, the parents, teachers, and if needed, the director, can work together to decide what is best for the student.  As always, let us know when you have a concern.

Important Details

Label all of your child's belongings including jackets, sweatshirts, hats, etc.

Your child needs to bring their backpack and folder everyday.

When sending money to school, please send it in a sealed envelope or bag with your child's name marked on it and the name of the activity.

It is important that you look at your child's backpack on a daily basis.  Help your child get into the habit of showing you his/her work when he/she arrives home.

Communication

Good communication between parent and teacher is crucial for your child to have a successful school year.  Please do not hesitate to contact me with a concern or question. Keep me informed of situations that affect your child’s demeanor.  

To contact me you may:

Write a note and place it in the homework folder.

 Message me on Bloomz app (Sign up page included in Orientation folder).

Email me at kfox@stjosephschoolbg.org or dburgess@stjosephschoolbg.org

Call the school number at 270-842-1235.  Leave a message for me in the office and I will return your call in a timely manner. 

To keep you informed I will:

 Class News and Calendar posted on the Bloomz app and messaging through the Bloomz app.

Send home notes, awards, Behavior Notes.

Call or e-mail you as needed.

 Send 1 Progress Report during the year.

Hold 1 scheduled conference time in the spring, but a conference may be requested at anytime in addition to that.