Pre-Kindergarten Curriculum

Grounded in daily prayer and faith-based learning, the Religion curriculum develops students’ faith, compassion, and understanding of God’s love. Students explore Bible stories and participate in the liturgical seasons of the Church—St. Francis, Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter—through prayer, classroom celebrations, and chapel visits. Emphasis is placed on living the teachings of Jesus through service projects, the Gifts from God unit, and the Crowning of Mary. Through these experiences, children come to recognize God’s love in their lives and learn to share that love with others.

The Language and Literacy program provides a strong foundation in early reading, writing, and communication skills. Through the Learning Without Tears handwriting program, students develop proper letter formation and fine motor control. Weekly lessons focus on letter and sound recognition, beginning sounds, and name practice. Daily read-alouds connected to classroom themes foster comprehension, sequencing, and vocabulary development. Students participate in both small and large group discussions, practicing attentive listening, turn-taking, and expressive language. Writing centers encourage creativity and the application of emerging literacy skills, building confidence and fluency.

The Mathematics program emphasizes hands-on exploration and conceptual understanding. Students develop number recognition, counting skills, and one-to-one correspondence through engaging, interactive activities. Foundational concepts such as sorting by size, color, and shape, as well as subitizing and measurement, are introduced through manipulatives and play-based learning. Early addition and subtraction are explored, allowing students to visualize mathematical relationships. Math Shelf provides opportunities for independent and collaborative practice, reinforcing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Through inquiry and exploration, the Science and Social Studies curriculum encourages students to observe, question, and discover the world around them. Topics include life cycles—such as apples, pumpkins, and butterflies—as well as solids and liquids, demonstrated through hands-on experiences like butter making. Students study weather patterns, shadows during Groundhog Day, and animal habitats and adaptations, including hibernation. STEM learning is integrated throughout the year, as students build and test materials in experiments such as “sink or float,” inspired by the story of Noah’s Ark. These experiences cultivate curiosity, creativity, and an appreciation for God’s creation.

Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively through the arts. They learn songs connected to liturgical seasons and classroom themes, participate in rhythm activities, and develop listening skills. Children use a variety of materials—including paint, sponges, glitter, and brushes—to create original pieces that reflect their imagination and understanding of classroom concepts. Directed drawings and themed crafts promote attention to detail and fine motor development while nurturing each child’s individual creativity.

Fine and gross motor development is intentionally incorporated into the daily routine to promote coordination, strength, and confidence. Fine motor activities include handwriting, cutting, coloring, and the use of tools such as tweezers to refine hand and finger control. Gross motor skills are developed through gym class, yoga, outdoor play, and music and movement sessions that enhance balance, body awareness, and cooperation.

Our Social Emotional curriculum fosters empathy, cooperation, and self-confidence through purposeful play and interaction. Morning free play and partner activities promote creativity and teamwork, while rotating seats during snack, lunch, and classwork build flexibility and inclusion. Recess and Morning Meeting encourage kindness, respect, and self-expression. Through books, discussions, and the “Question of the Day,” students learn to recognize feelings, make positive choices, and strengthen relationships as caring members of our community.