Before the Bell Preschool
Kindergarten Readiness Program

What will be learning at preschool?

Pre-Reading
Become aware of letters

Begin to recognize letters in own name

Begin to understand the connection between print and the spoken word

Enjoy looking at books and being read to
Acquire book knowledge (front and back, left to right)

Begin to acquire phonological processing skills (rhyming, word segmenting)

Pre-Writing
Explore painting and drawing
Attach meaning to scribbles
Move toward using a developmentally appropriate grasp

Begin to write letters

Begin to write name  

Language Skills

Repeat parts of songs and finger-plays

Retell stories

Articulate with increasing clarity

Participate in small and large group discussions

Ask questions

Begin to differentiate between comments and questions

Follow 1-2 step directions

Develop an understanding of information presented verbally

Use developmentally appropriate grammar
Math
Math vocabulary (more, less, large, small, over, under, etc.)
Identify basic shapes and colors

Notice similarities and differences between objects

Begin to create patterns

Rote count from 1-20, and count objects 1-20

Begin to count with one-to-one correspondence

Begin to understand that numerals represent amount

Manipulate many kinds and quantities of objects

Begin to compare amounts and label them more or less

Work with geometric puzzles

Begin to make logical groupings and Sort and classify objects 

Physical Sciences

Gather information using senses

Identify objects by size, shape, and color

Describe ways objects can move (zigzag, back and forth, straight line)

Experiment with motion

Explore properties of liquids and solids  

Life Sciences

Explore characteristics of organisms

Understand the basic difference between living and non-living things

Name basic parts of the body

Care for living creatures  

Earth Sciences

Begin to notice seasonal cycles

Care for the environment

Become aware of different kinds of weather (sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, snowy, hot, and cold)

Compare natural cycles (day and night, sun and moon) 

Anti-Bias

Help children develop a sense of self-identity

Participate in a caring community where sharing is highly valued

Establish a feeling of openness, comfort, and safety in the classroom

Help children feel comfortable with people from diverse backgrounds Recognize similarities and differences with regard to people's abilities  

Social Studies

Be able to label and identify actions as fair and unfair

Gain an understanding of the many differences in the world through literature, puzzles, pictures, and other daily classroom materials

Recognize that there are a variety of family structures

Recognize that there are families that are similar to and/or different from one's own, but the common factor is that they all love each other

Develop an awareness of his/her community and community helpers

Practice and demonstrate self-help skills including using the bathroom, proper hygiene, dressing, and eating 

Art and Fine Motor Skills

demonstrate cutting on a straight line and a circle

develop proper hand position while using a pencil, crayon, and scissors

 practice applying and controlling glue

experience various art media (play-dough, wood, paper, cloth, cotton balls, water colors, etc.)

demonstrate creative self expression and creativity

participate in multi-sensory art experiences with a variety of textures

assemble puzzles of four or more pieces correctly

demonstrate buttoning, zipping, and buckling skills 

Music
participate in musical activities including song, dance, instrumental, movement, games, and

self-expression

be exposed to and gain an appreciation for various types of music including folk, classical, patriotic, religious, multi-cultural, and traditional 

Social Development

be able to share, take turns, and wait for short periods of time

demonstrate the usage of polite language such as “please," "thank-you," and “you’re welcome”

practice good manners, such as covering his/her mouth when sneezing, washing hands after using bathroom and before snacks and meals

help to develop and adhere to classroom rules

demonstrate respect for the property of others

develop personal responsibility for his/her actions 

Emotional Development

demonstrate self-control consistent with his/her development level

practice coping skills and self-control in separating from family

experience and participate in transitions

participate in choice-making and decision-making activities

learn appropriate ways of expressing emotion through discussion, art, and music