Preschool - 4 Year Olds
In the Fantastic Four classroom, the use of space, furnishings, materials, the daily schedule, and how adults communicate rules and expectations are all important features that influence the teaching and learning process. The learning environment is a critical factor and can be intentionally prepared to help support healthy development. Our learning environment is designed to meet the overall needs of preschoolers and to facilitate their development through age-appropriate experiences.
Due to the individuality of each child expectations vary; each child is challenged but not hurried. Ideally, the following goals should be met by the time a child enters kindergarten.
The Program
Our four year old program’s schedule is a lot like our other classrooms. The children arrive, participate in free play for a while and then clean up and get ready for the morning. The schedule may be the same but the content is like no other. The class gets ready for the morning by having circle time and discussing what to expect for the day. The children are engaged in stories, songs and discussions about the weather and upcoming events.
Activities & Development
After group time, children are free to choose their own activities, but the learning continues. During free play, the teacher works one-on-one with one or two children at a time on planned learning projects for the day. This allows the teacher to observe where each child is developmentally, provide extra support to those who may need additional time, and offer more challenging activities for children who are ready for the next step.
There is always something new being discovered in the four-year-old classroom either by the teacher or the children. Together, they explore new ideas and experiences to the fullest, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
