Four-Year-Olds
At four years old, children continue to develop skills which prepare them for success in elementary school.
We emphasize language development and pre-literacy skills by reading books, learning rhymes and finger-plays, “reading’ the daily routine, learning to write their names, as well as recognizing the names of their classmates in print. Letter and sound experiences are planned and provided based on the developmental readiness of the child. Children learn math readiness skills through manipulation of counters (sorting, one-to-one correspondence), through role playing as store managers and postmen, through designing and building structures, etc. The natural environment surrounding the school gives many opportunities for gardening and exploring nature. Fine motor development is an essential component of each day.
Our four-year-olds may attend four day or five day classes per week. The student to teacher ratio is two teachers per 12 children.
Day-at-a-Glance
| 8:55 | Children arrive at school through carpool |
| 9:00 – 9:10 | Children put away jackets, snacks, and folders |
| 9:10 – 9:25 | Children meet together in a large group to discuss their daily routines (schedules, jobs, special activities) |
| 9:25 – 10:25 | Center Activities – children choose from activities that include but are not limited to: manipulatives, puzzles, books, blocks, housekeeping, sand/water (touch table), science discovery, art, music |
| 10:25 – 10:45 | Snack time – children bring a snack from home to eat during this time |
| 10:45 – 11:00 | Large group – during this time, teachers may read a book to the children, recite poetry with the children, sing songs, do movement activities, cook a special snack, etc. |
| 11:00 – 11:55 | Outdoor play |
| 12:00 | Dismissal – children usually sing a song or have a goodbye ritual for each day and are dismissed to carpool or to after school activities |