Preschool Curriculum
Vienna Elementary Preschool is a wonderful place for beginnings. We focus on advancing listening and speaking skills so that the child can participate in a range of English activities in our ESL submersion program. Listening to stories, reciting chants and rhymes as well as making presentation and re-enacting dramas are some of our daily activities that provide whole language learning.
Learning through discovery in play, sensory exploration and with the guidance of the teacher in a nurturing environment is our mandate. Children learn best by doing so we set up our learning environment thoughtfully to meet each child’s developmental needs. Curiosity as the motivator is enhanced when teachers guide inquiry to provide a balance of activities which accommodates the various learning needs and styles. Through active participation, the children learn about the world around them to build a solid foundation for all future learning.
Language Arts
Focus: Advancing listening and English speaking skills so that the child can participate in a range of activities.
Listening
- Listen for enjoyment, information and social situation
- Perform in drama
- Play interactive games
- Listen to books for comprehension
- Follow directions
Speaking
- Recite poems/chants/rhymes
- Make presentations
- learn to clearly express ideas
- Demonstrate effective participation in conversation
- Making up rhymes and playing with words
Pre-Reading Skills
- Phonetic sounds
- Enjoyment of literature
- Build comprehension and vocabulary
- Story sequencing
- Predict outcomes
Pre-Writing
- Use print to write letters, numbers and first name
- Recognize print as having meaning
Mathematics
Focus: Using materials and situation from the real world to experience fun with Math concepts.
Number Sense
- One to one correspondence
- Compare groups of objects
- Count, recognize and write numerals up to 20
Patterning, Geomentry and Measurement
- Identify, describe, extend and create a wide variety of verbal, rhythmic and visual patterns
- Describe, model, draw and classify shapes
- Recognize shape in the environment
- Compare and identify attributes of quantity, size and shape
Science
Focus: Using children’s natural curiosity, they are exposed to a wide variety of experiences with living and non-living things in order to build a good foundation in science. Students are guided through the following basic scientific concepts.
Life Science
- Life Cycle / Growth
- Habitats
- Food Chain
Physical Science
- Matter
- Light
- Force and Motion
Earth and Space Science
- Air
- Soil
- Water / Oceans
- Our Solar System
Processes of Science
- Observing
- Predicting
- Testing – experiencing trial and error
- Discovering
- Discussing / Sharing results
Preschool Science Topics 2009
Fall/Harvest
We looked at: How do living things change in the Fall? Why do leaves change color and how do plants prepare for the winter? We learned about the Harvest and celebrated by making our own Harvest Soup!
Winter and Water
We looked at the water cycle and how rain and snow are formed. We even made it rain in our classroom! We also discussed how animals survive through the winter and learned about migration, hibernation and adaptation!
Space
We studied the solar system, including stars, comets and asteroids. We looked at how astronauts live and work in space. We worked through the scientific process for research and documentation- ending with our “Walk in Space”! We watched the Universe from our own Space Research Center!
Spring/Plants
We looked what happens to plants in the Spring, how they grow and produce seeds. We compared bean seeds to chicken eggs and compared how they develop! We started our own bean seeds, watched the roots grow and the tiny plants make their way out through the soil and then we recorded their growth.
Under the Sea
We looked at the different properties of salt and fresh water. We studied the differences between fish and animals. We also discovered things that sink and things that float. We learned about how our oceans are changing and how that is affecting the plants and animals that live in them and eventually affecting us. We studied in our Undersea Research Center where we could observe sea life in action!!
Simple Experiments
We conduct simple experiments throughout our school year giving us a chance to ask questions, collect data, try out explanations and document our findings. The Scientific Process in action!
Social Studies
Focus: Using topics which explore the child’s relationship to other members of their social community in order to prepare young learners to become responsible citizens.
Society and Culture
- All About Me
- Families
- Our School Community
- Community Helpers
History and Geography
- Changes in our Family
- Celebrations
- Where are we? Exploring our locality
Physical Education
Focus: The physical education program challenges each individual student to perform to the best of his/her ability in the following areas:
- Personal health and safety
- Large and small muscle coordination
- Aerobic conditioning and exercise
- Movement and patterning
- Body awareness
Music
Focus: Music is crucial to the preschool experience as well as invaluable in developing language. Music challenges the children to learn a great deal of English text, enriching their vocabulary while introducing them to many basic skills of music. Throughout the year, they are presented with many opportunities to express themselves musically through.
- Singing
- Beat and Rhythm
- Instruments
- Music and Movement
- Enjoyment of Music
- Response to a conductor
Visual Arts and Drama
Focus: Children will be provided with a variety of activities to learn to express themselves with confidence and advance their use of imagination and creativity.
Visual Arts
To provide the young child with a variety of mediums from which to experiment and create with:
- Texture
- Line
- Shape
- Colour
- Size
Drama
To be encouraged in drama, both in guided activities and during free play.
- Re-enacting dramas
- Performing play
- Using props to create imaginary situation
- Imaginary play