Our Approach to Preschool and Kindergarten Learning

 

View of the Child

We view children as capable, curious learners who grow through meaningful experiences, relationships, and intentional instruction. Children are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, and take an active role in their learning.

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Role of the Teacher

Teachers provide clear guidance, explicit instruction, and thoughtful support while remaining responsive to each child’s interests and development. Through careful observation and planning, educators create learning experiences that move understanding forward.

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Literacy Instruction

Literacy instruction is grounded in the Science of Reading and is delivered intentionally each day. Children receive explicit instruction in phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. Learning experiences are engaging, multisensory, and developmentally appropriate.

 

Phonological Awareness

Children participate daily in playful, engaging sound-based activities such as rhyming, syllable work, sound matching, oral blending and segmenting, songs, and movement-based games. These experiences build strong foundations for reading and spelling.

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Atelier and Creative Expression

Children engage daily in creative experiences in the atelier. Art includes cutting, gluing, painting, sculpting, and creating with a wide variety of materials. These experiences strengthen fine motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, and confidence.

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Connection Between Creativity and Learning

Creative work supports literacy, science, and project learning by allowing children to represent ideas in multiple ways. Art and hands-on exploration help children deepen their understanding and communicate their thinking.

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Learning Environment

Classrooms and studios are intentionally designed to support curiosity, engagement, and independence. Materials are carefully selected and arranged to invite exploration, creativity, and focused work.

 

Assessment and Growth

Teachers monitor learning through observation, documentation, and skill-based assessments. This ongoing reflection informs instruction and supports each child’s progress over time.

 

Faith Integration

Faith is woven naturally into daily life through relationships, gratitude, stewardship, and care for others.  Children are encouraged to develop character, empathy, and responsibility within a Christ-centered community. Students meet weekly for Character Connection, a developmentally appropriate Bible lesson designed specifically for early childhood. During this time, young children engage with Bible stories, songs, discussion, and simple activities that focus on building character traits such as kindness, honesty, responsibility, patience, and care for others.