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With the advent of national standards for pre-kindergarten programs, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) recommends that all pre-schools implement research-based curriculum developed specifically to meet the new, more demanding standards. In July of 2007, MSDE published a list of recommended curriculums. GSLP has selected the Creative Curriculum© (a MSDE recommended program) as our research-based curriculum. Our preschool curriculum combines the standards outlined in the MSDE Voluntary Curriculum with the Harcourt© math and science programs.

In addition, GSLP partners with Montgomery County Schools in the areas of Language Arts and Mathematics. Using the same curriculum (Building Language for Literacy by Scholastic and Growing with Mathematics by the Wright Group) as the county Pre-K programs ensures that the GSLP Pre-Kindergarten experience meets the specific expectations for MCPS kindergarten success.

Curricular objectives cover all areas of the developing child – social and emotional development, cognitive development, physical development and language development. Our low student-teacher ratios assure that each child receives the attention necessary for maximum development in each area. Teachers determine the strengths and weaknesses of each child and use class activities to enhance these strengths and to provide relevant experiences in areas needing reinforcement.

August Class Gatherings:

In late summer, the Preschool sponsors class “Gatherings” at local parks or at the school playground. These gatherings provide informal opportunities for children, parents, and teachers to meet one another and to begin forming the relationships which will carry over into the school year.

Open House and Transition to School:

The day before school begins, parents and children are invited to the Preschool to visit the classroom and to become familiar with the environment. The first day of school is a mini-day when students come in small groups for only 1 hour. For the first two weeks of school, all Two Plus, Totally Three and Three Plus Classes meet for only 1.5 hours per session. This transition period eases the youngest students into school gradually. Pre-Kindergarten students begin their normal class schedule on the second day of school.

The Daily Program:

Children participate in a variety of activities each day. Circle times include music, stories, finger plays, drama, creative movement, science experiments, and math concepts. Center times provide children the opportunity to choose from the following centers: housekeeping, art, block and construction, games and puzzles, writing, pre-math manipulatives, and computer learning.

The children go outdoors, weather permitting, for thirty minutes each day. On rainy days, the children participate in indoor gross motor activities. Indoor movement activities utilize a variety of musical movement activities and employ a variety of equipment, including a balance beam, a parachute, a tunnel, ribbon streamers, and beanbags.

A daily snack is provided by the Preschool. The snack includes 100% fruit juice and crackers or other light snack foods. When appropriate, the snack is created by the children in the classroom as part of a cooking/science activity. Parents of children with food allergies and restrictions are encouraged to work directly with the staff in accommodating their child’s specific dietary restrictions.

Group Music:

Once a week, students participate in a group music time. Music time provides experience in a larger group setting, instills a sense of community, and promotes familiarity with students in other classes.

Chapels:

The Pastors of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and members of the Preschool staff lead the children in bi-weekly chapels. During these chapels, the children share a special time of Christian fellowship through songs, Bible stories and contemporary tales that reflect Christian values. Parents and siblings are welcome to attend these 15-minute programs.

Special Events:

Each year, special programs in language/cultural arts and in science are presented at the Preschool. These on-site “field trips” enhance the classroom curriculum. In addition, the Preschool sponsors the following events which serve to make the school year a memorable experience for both the children and their families (*indicates that parents attend):

Fall Festival and Reception*

Thanksgiving Feast

Christmas Chapel and Reception*

Easter Chapel and Reception*

Teddy Bear Picnic

All -School Picnic*

Music and Art Program and Reception*

 

Last Updated:  04/11/08 07:16 AM