Private Pre-K

Community-Building

In our Pre-K classroom, one important way we help children grow socially and emotionally is through something called a community-building circle. This is a special time when the whole class gathers together—usually sitting in a circle on the rug—to connect, share, and support one another.

What Happens During a Community-Building Circle?

Everyone is included
We take turns speaking and listening
We talk about feelings and friendship
No pressure to speak

Community-building circles help children:

Develop social-emotional skills like empathy, communication, and self-awareness
Practice positive behaviors and learn how to express themselves respectfully
Feel a strong sense of belonging and connection with classmates
Learn how to resolve conflicts peacefully and support one another

This simple but powerful routine helps build a caring, respectful classroom community where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

PreK for ME

PreK for ME is a high-quality, research-based preschool program developed by the Maine Department of Education. It’s designed to build strong foundations in early literacy, math, social-emotional learning, and more—through engaging stories, hands-on activities, and thoughtful conversations.

At Blueprints Learning Center, we’re excited to use PreK for ME as a guiding framework to help shape our Pre-K curriculum. But what makes our approach special is how we combine this structure with what we know kids need most:

✨ Play, choice, and exploration.
We believe children learn best when they’re given the freedom to explore, create, and follow their curiosity. That’s why every day includes opportunities for imaginative play, open-ended activities, and child-led learning.

🌳 Plenty of outdoor time.
Whether it’s running, building, observing nature, or simply breathing in fresh air, outdoor play is a vital part of how we support whole-child development. We make sure kids spend meaningful time outside every day—rain or shine!

By blending the intentional learning of PreK for ME with the joyful, hands-on experiences that children thrive on, we’re creating a balanced, nurturing environment where every child can grow, discover, and shine.

💙

Play

You may hear your child talk about all the fun they’re having at school—building with blocks, dressing up, painting, or pretending to be animals. While it may look like just fun, play is actually one of the most important ways young children learn and grow.

Play Is Powerful Learning

In Pre-K, play is much more than free time—it’s how children build the skills they need for school and life.

Through play, children:

🧠 Develop thinking and problem-solving skills
(e.g., building a tower, solving puzzles, exploring how things work)
💬 Grow language and communication
(e.g., talking with peers in pretend play, explaining ideas, asking questions)
❤️ Learn social-emotional skills
(e.g., taking turns, managing feelings, cooperating, resolving conflicts)
✋ Build fine and gross motor skills
(e.g., cutting with scissors, climbing, drawing, manipulating small objects)
🎨 Express creativity and imagination
(e.g., making art, inventing stories, dramatic play)

Different Types of Play in Our Classrooms

Pretend Play (dramatic play area, dress-up, role-playing)
Building Play (blocks, construction toys)
Creative Play (art, music, storytelling)
Physical Play (outdoor time, movement games)
Guided Play (teacher-supported activities with learning goals)

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse