Curriculum

GRFCC uses Preplanned Curriculum from The Moments At Home company as a framework for preparing Preschoolers for Kindergarten.  The following is an overview of what the curriculum covers over the year:

 

Math is pretty simple at this age and has more to do with arithmetic readiness than traditional math. The idea is for your child to be able to name numbers and understand what those names mean. 

• Counting, 1-10 confidently and 1-20 with assistance 

• Understand how numbers fit together (what comes before and after, up to 10)

• Understand numbers and their value Look at a small group of items and be able to identify how many are in it with a number (i.e. there are 3 apples on the table)

• Understand more/less Understand bigger/smaller Simple graphing to categorize quantity Sorting (by color, for example) 

• Very simple addition, using fingers or items to solve math equations and word problems 

• Colors 

• Shapes 

 

Science for young children focuses on helping them observe the world around them, as well as teaching them to look a little deeper. Why do things work this way? What is the connection between them? What don't I know? These activities are designed to instruct, engage, and spark curiosity.

• Names of animals and the sounds they make 

• Understand that living things have a life cycle (parent, baby, growth, etc.) 

• Weather Habitats and environments: where do living things belong and what do they need to grow well? 

• Understand seasons

 

Reading and Language Arts.  Kindergarten readiness in this area doesn't mean being able to actually read, but rather identifying letters, understanding that they combine to make words, and being comfortable with their sounds. This is the foundation of reading and grammar. 

• Learn the letters A-Z Recognize capital and lowercase for each letter 

• Be able to tell which sound each letter makes, as well as hear it when others make it 

• Rhyming 

• Listen to reading (instructions and stories) 

• Hear words and identify beginning sounds 

• Draw a picture to express an idea; use words to explain it 

• Some parents will choose to introduce sight words at this age; we have a separate curriculum for sight words if you would like

 

Writing.  In preschool, your child will get comfortable holding a pencil and tracing lines, as well as begin to develop writing skills by tracing and then copying. By the end of this year, they should be able to write their name, even if it's not perfect (it doesn't need to be!), and be comfortable with manipulating a pencil. 

• Trace lines from left to right 

• Trace letters from top to bottom 

• Begin to write their name 

• Write the alphabet, capital, and lowercase 

• Trace larger words 

• Cut lines as directed

 

Early Logic and Thinking.  There are extra activities each month that work hand-in-hand with the other content to help your child develop critical thinking skills pertaining to problem-solving and deduction, as well as awareness of the world around them at an age-appropriate level. These activities are meant to engage their mind with hands-on problem-solving that delights instead of frustrates, helping them learn the pride and joy that comes from doing challenging tasks. The activities also help build their confidence as they learn that they can do difficult things. You can also foster this skill in their playtime by giving them toys such as Legos®, building blocks, puzzles, rainbow bears, marble runs, mazes, and more.

 

Additional Curriculum Goals

Self Care.  

• Get dressed independently, from undergarments to outerwear 

• Brush teeth 

• Be potty trained and have proper hygiene after using the bathroom 

• Wash their hands well when soiled and after using the toilet 

• Wash their bodies regularly 

• Wear clean clothes and know to put soiled clothes in the laundry 

 

Self Awareness.  

• Know their first and last name 

• Know their age 

• Know when their birthday is and how old they will be 

• Know who their family members are and identify them 

• Be able to verbalize feelings: joys and frustrations 

• Identify preferences 

• Express when they aren't feeling well and explain how 

• Pick up toys and messes (within reason, of course) 

 

Social Skills.  

• Use manners when communicating; understand social cues 

• Interact with peers and others in culturally and socially appropriate ways 

• Be able to ask questions and listen to answers 

• Show interest in others and what they are doing 

• Be able to share toys and attention 

• Follow multi-step directions 

 

Physical Ability & Awareness.  

• Look both ways before crossing the street 

• Hop on one foot and with both feet together 

• Touch nose, toes, etc. as directed 

• Have pencil control 

• Understand healthy food choices Name body parts accurately 

• Understand the five senses