Giraffes
4 year-olds
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
Morning Circle
Children sing songs, perform creative movement dances and do finger plays. The teacher introduces cognitive concepts that will be reinforced throughout the day. The theme and letter for the week are reinforced by a story read by the teacher as well as by a variety of group activities. The teacher introduces and reinforces letter concepts by using themed puppets. As a group and also individually, students change the daily calendar and select the weather for the day. Children also have an opportunity to take turns sharing with the group and bringing in a show and tell item.
Independent Choice
Four-year-olds love being with their friends and playing together. During this time, children participate in imaginative play and learn valuable social skills such as taking turns, sharing, and language development. Each day, the teachers offer new activities such as blocks, Playdoh, book center, the sensory table, puzzles, writing table, small manipulatives, science table, dress up, pretend play, etc.
Art Activity
A teacher assists small groups of children in the daily art project which is related to the weekly theme. Various art materials are used with the goal of fostering fine motor skills and promoting individual creativity. Many art activities incorporate language and literature.
Snack
Provided by the preschool. The teachers reinforce good manners, taking turns, and other social skills. We are happy to safely accommodate children with food allergies.
Outside Time
Children work on their large motor skills in activities such as climbing, sliding, playing in the sand, running, throwing and catching balls, riding tricycles, using hula hoops, playing with a parachute, etc.
Small Group Activities
By participating in a wide range of interesting activities, the teachers develop children’s’ cognitive skills such as number and letter recognition, writing, counting, sorting, making comparisons, following patterns, and color and shape activities. These activities are presented to prepare the children for kindergarten.
Closing Circle
The teacher reads a story. The teacher leads a closing song or a game which reinforces the weekly theme.
Chapel
Once a week, the school’s director presents a brief, age-appropriate Bible story and lesson. The children also sing songs and say a prayer.
Giraffe Journals
Each week, the children work on their journals. Children draw pictures and either write in their journals using phonetic spelling or dictate to their teacher. These journals make wonderful keepsakes.
Parent Involvement
Parents and families are invited to share in special events such as the Teddy Bear Picnic, Fall Festival, Christmas Chapel performances, Moments with Mom, Dad’s Brunch, Spring Carnival and the Fire Station Field Trip.
