As teachers, we observe, plan, and structure the children’s experiences in a Christian environment. This will further enhance and facilitate the growth and development of each child as we strive to:
What will my child do in preschool?
We are a play-based program where children learn by being active hands-on learners. Activities are planned in the areas of language, math, science, social studies, religion, creative arts, motor, and social and emotional development. We carefully plan the environment so children have some choices in what and how they play. We offer child-directed and teacher-directed activities that are focused to children’s interests as well as meeting preschool developmental milestones.
Some examples of activities might be:
Teachers also design more directed activities where they are guiding children by asking questions and providing support. Examples include science experiments, observing cause and effect problems, reading stories and asking questions about the text, and writing in their journals. In addition, teachers plan for small group instruction focused on a concept or objective.
Religious education is integrated in all areas of learning. It is important to remember that a preschool child’s understanding of the Catholic faith requires a great deal of abstract thinking and understanding of complicated concepts and situations. Therefore, as teachers, we will try to bring the Catholic faith to their level of understanding by using concrete examples and/or activities that they can relate to their daily lives. Daily prayer, trips to the church, and the teachings of Christ are a few examples of the integration of religion. We will also be using the Catechesis of the Good Shepard, an interactive, Montessori approach to introducing the Catholic faith to our preschoolers.