4 – 5 Years (Ratio 1:10)
Four year olds, when taught and challenged, explode with new language, deeper thoughts and better listening skills. Our Dragonfly circle times are longer so each child can participate in discussions about the weather, their weekend, the weekly theme, Bible stories and devotions. Your little one will be encouraged to contribute more as they grow in confidence speaking and knowing they are accepted and valued by their teachers and classmates.
Deep friendships are formed as language, listening and social skills grow. Cooperation, sharing, working in a common goal and problem solving are practiced in the block center as teams construct and create. Our dramatic play center is another area to see the children growing in social-emotional development and creativity. Our Dragonflies are taught and guided daily to love as God loves us. A main goal in this class is development of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.
Bible songs, stories, devotions, applications and prayer are taught daily. Children have the opportunity to pray for their families and friends. Listening to and praying for each other builds bonds of caring. Another major theme in this year is “God made you unique and special” and acceptance of others.
Small motor skills are increased through strengthening activities, playdough, tongs for sorting, lacing and beading. As little fingers get stronger, practicing writing letters is more fun. We use Handwriting Without Tears, the same program that the Boise School District uses. Our Dragonflies learn together through the interactive Phonics activities. Daily learning centers include sequencing, sorting, grouping, sizes, shapes, colors, counting, patterning, matching, mazes and puzzles. In this class we use STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) as an integral part of our curriculum. Children need the opportunity to observe, investigate, seek and acquire information. They leave this class well prepared and excited to continue learning in Kindergarten.
| Typical Daily Schedule | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Arrival and free play |
| 8:15 am | Table work, math/fine motor |
| 8:30 am | Centers |
| 9:00 am | Snack |
| 9:30 am | Bible time |
| 10:00 am | Recess |
| 10:30 am | Calendar, numbers & counting, letters, colors, rhymes, Zoo-phonics, Handwriting Without Tears |
| 11:00 am | Art |
| 11:30 am | Centers |
| 12:30 pm | Recess |
| 1:30 pm | Story (share on Wednesday) |
| 1:45 pm | Rest and relaxation (non-nappers 2:30-3 books, puzzles, coloring) |
| 3:00 pm | Puzzles and table toys |
| 3:15 pm | Music and movement |
| 3:30 pm | Snack |
| 3:45 pm | Recess |
| 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Free play/parent pick up |
