PRE-KINDERGARTEN AGE- 3

The Pre-Kindergarten program at Saint Helena School is designed to engage students in examining their world using inquiry and exploration.  The curriculum has been developed to address the spiritual, physical, intellectual and developmental stages of a young child.  The use of technology in all subject areas enhances the students experience and makes learning more interactive.  

Religion

A whole-child approach that allows children to grow in relationship with God through lessons, activities, projects and additional spiritual experiences is used to teach Religion. Music, prayer, and scripture aid in the understanding of specific topics such as, God Made Me, God Made the World, and God Made Me to be Helpful and Kind.  

Language Arts

The Pre-Kindergarten curriculum is designed to introduce children to alphabet recognition, penmanship, colors, names, phonics, comprehension, and rhyming.  

Math

The math program engages students in activities that introduce and reinforce number recognition and the correct formation of numbers, counting, shapes, sorting, patterns and measuring. A variety of manipulatives are used in all areas of mathematics.

Social Science

The Pre-Kindergarten students are involved in several Science and Social Studies cross curricular activities. They explore such topics as animal life and habitats, calendar and time, family and community, healthy living, transportation and weather and seasons

Play, Music, and Movement

Early learners learn best through song, movement and purposeful play.  The Pre-Kindergarten program uses this play to develop fine motor skills and social skills.  Play activity includes puzzles, gears, Legos and blocks.  Creative, imaginative play and Show and Tell are a part of the program and helps to develop communication skills.  Outside play is an important part of the day in our secured playground.  Songs and movement are utilized throughout the curriculum.  

PRE-KINDERGARTEN AGE-4

The Pre-Kindergarten curriculum provides children with a variety of age and developmentally appropriate activities that encourage them to explore, investigate, discover, collaborate, innovate and create. Students engage in meaningful and fun activities that nurture children to be joyful, self-confident, and lifelong learners. Prekindergarten students “grow” a pumpkin patch and are featured in the Winter Olympics and the Trike -a-thon.

Religion

Scripture, prayer, Catholic identity, and tradition are taught through active learning experiences often achieved through rhyme and music. Lessons and activities are designed to nurture and enrich the spiritual lives of young children. Through developmentally appropriate activities along with teacher support and compassion, four-year-old’s come to understand the meaning of God's love and the wonders of His creation.

Language Arts/Reading Readiness

Students are formally introduced to the basic skills of listening, writing, speaking, alphabet recognition, phonics, sight words and fluency, rhymes and action poems, comprehension, sequencing of events, fiction and nonfiction books, and penmanship.

Math Readiness

Rudimentary math skills are presented and enhanced using manipulatives and visual aids. Skills include number recognition, counting, colors and shapes recognition, completing and creating patterns, comparing and arranging numbers in order, basic addition and subtraction, measurement, and telling time.

Science

Students develop basic science inquiry skills through hands-on experiences in the following themes: life processes of animals and plants, seasons, weather, nutrition, dental health, fire safety, water and sun safety, germs, and matter.

Social Studies

Topics introduced to Prekindergarten students include family, friends, community helpers, sharing, thinking of others, feelings, personal behavior, patriotic songs, national symbols, The Pledge of Allegiance, and holidays. At the end of the month students present one of the five topics discussed in class through “Show and Tell.” This is a special culminating activity that enhances the creativity, originality, self-expression and confidence of these four-year-old students.