2's and young 3's Preschool Program

                       Bears and Chipmunks

It is our hope that we can develop in each child a positive self image and a love of learning and going to school.  In the 3 year class we provide many activities to do just that.  Each activity that is presented to the children is a result of much planning.  Children like to be actively involved.  When more than one sense is used in teaching a task, learning is greatly improved.  

 Art is used as a teaching device, as well as a fun way to play, in the preschool class.  Freedom with art supplies encourages using the imagination and is also a good release for emotions.  Eye-hand coordination is also developed. 

Cooking is included in our curriculum at FMPS Preschool.  Besides learning about the major food groups, the children are more likely to eat something they have made.  This is also a good time to encourage math and science through measuring and mixing and cooking.

Language Development includes time set aside in group time for show and tell, discussions about different subjects, flannel board stories,
and most importantly, books.

Creative Dramatics and movement encourages free expression and also allows the imagination to surface.  This is done through the use of  puppets, dress up clothes, blocks, and various props added to the classroom.

Games and Social Activities as a group happen often in the 3 year classroom. Games that are played in a group teach the children how to cooperate with one another, and learn to take turns.

Math is taught through games adapted to follow the theme of the day.  For example, counting how many crackers were eaten at snack time.  Other math games include identifying shapes, measuring, sorting and comparisons.

Science ideas that are simple to adults often are magic to the young preschooler. The children are introduced to the meteorology, biology, chemistry and physics in very simple forms.

Music is used as an important teaching tool in the 3 year class.  It is easy to remember the rules at school when a song is sung to remind the children what to do next.  Music activities include activity tapes or CD's to help children to listen and follow directions. Anything can be taught through music.

Physical Development is included through using large muscle play on our playground,   through activity tapes or CD's, parachute play,
 or obstacle courses.


The three-year old class curriculum is based on the calendar year and the basic requirements that have been suggested by the State of SC for preschoolers to best prepare them for kindergarten. 

SEPTEMBER - The 3 year old learns about becoming more independent, about being kind to one another, sharing, and taking care of ourselves, our classroom and our school.  We talk about the body and learn about the 5 senses. Each month, the children may bring an item to share with the class.This item is not a toy. We introduce a shape for each month and a color for each month. Counting the calendar days and learning the
days of the week are practiced each day. Letters A,B,C,D

Apples, My Body/Five senses, What I Wear, Days of the Week/ School,Elephant/Animals

OCTOBER - Because it is difficult for the young preschooler to determine what is real and what is pretend, we do spend much time playing pretend and make-believe games in this month.  Open House is this month and we are busy getting ready.We also learn how pumpkins grow.  Making a Jack-o-Lantern, homemade ice cream and having a Fall Party are
special high lights of this unit. Letters F,G,H,I

Fish/Fall, Groceries/Fire Safety, Happy Harvest/Pumpkins, Ice and Ice Cream/Night animals

NOVEMBER - We begin this month by learning about foods we eat and what foods are healthy and which are not.  Later in the month we discuss life in Early America and how the Pilgrims and Native Americans lived a long time ago.We decorate everything with our art projects!  The 3 year classes also enjoy having a Thanksgiving Feast  complete with  turkey , cornbread, fruit kebabs, and  pumpkin pie, most of which are made by the children themselves.  The children wear Pilgrim hats and Native American headdresses made just for that occasion. Letters J,K,L

Jamberry Week, Kitchen Week/Turkeys, Leaves, Family/Thanksgiving

DECEMBER - Because it is our hope that each child understands that Christmas is a time for giving and not always receiving, we plan a Christmas Party for the parents.  The children invite the parents to attend a Christmas Program.  The children perform a few finger plays and songs for them.  After the program the parents are invited to stay for cookies and punch.  We also teach that Christmas is Jesus’  birthday and people
 celebrate Christmas all over the world. Letter M,N,O,P

Machines, Nursery Rhymes, Opposites, Winter/ Hibernation, Paint/Holidays

JANUARY - January’s unit is “Looking for Winter”. The children talk about what happens to the animals (hibernation), people, and plants during cold weather.  We usually have a visit from a naturalist  who brings her animal friends to share with the children.Letters Q,R,S,T

Queens and Kings/ Winter, Reading/Martin Luther King Jr./Groundhog Day
Under the Sea/Penguins, Time
  
 
FEBRUARY - We learn about Valentine’s Day “A Special Time to Say
I Love You”.
We have a Valentine’s party.  The children may bring valentines to pass out to their classmates.  Later in the month we discuss people in our neighborhood who help us. Letters Positional Words, U V W X

Up and Down/Tigers, Presidents Day/Valentines, Weather/ Winter Olympics, X-Ray/Dental Health

MARCH - We learn about spring weather and the season of Spring, and how life returns to the trees and plants, new baby animals are born.  An Easter Egg Hunt is a fun activity we plan in April or March. Letters Y,Z

Yourself, Zoo, Down by the Bay,Very hungry Caterpillar(Spring)

APRIL - April is a time set aside to learn about animals and Recycling.  Children have a great affinity for animals and really enjoy talking about their pets, or zoo, circus or backyard animals. We ask that you Recycle at your house this month.Review all letters

Habitats/Bugs/insects,Earth Day/Recycling, Plants, Eggs

MAY - May is a fun month!  We have Outside Day, and play outside most of the day! We bring the classroom outdoors. We also have ice cream day, of course, everyone’s favorite!  We also have a family picnic to celebrate summer coming. 
All family members are welcome!

The Sun, Exercise, Lady bugs, Summer Safety

LEARNING CENTERS- Children will have an opportunity to choose a variety of activities (free play) every day, including manipulative, dramatic play, blocks, listening center, library, science corner, and cooperative play.  This time is also for the creative activity of the day, connected with the day’s lesson plan.

GROUP TIME- Periods of quiet alternating with periods of activity, pledge of allegiance, weather, calendar, story time, show and tell, games, records, songs, musical instruments, finger plays, conversations, and other activities for the group together.

ARTS AND CRAFT- Challenging gross and fine motor activities, hand-eye coordination with all kinds of painting (easel, finger, water color, feather, string etc.), cutting, gluing, pasting, including collage items.  Activities with play-dough, water play, games, and small manipulative play, which includes readiness activities (basic colors, shapes, math skills, matching, and change of seasons).

OUTDOOR PLAY-MUSCLE ROOM- Teachers encourage outside play, weather permitting.  A variety of equipment is provided for children to develop their bodies and coordination with climbing, crawling, and sliding.  Sandbox, circle cycle, and snaps crawl set develop gross motor skills.  The muscle room is used when the children are unable to go outside.  Tricycles, wagons, moon buggy and other toys are used in the hallways. We will not go out if it is raining, snowing, or too cold.  The staff will decide to limit outdoor play due to weather or safety concerns.

Newsletters are written and sent home with students at the beginning of each month.