Pre- K4 Curriculum
Spanish is the language of instruction for part of the academic day. The Spanish language is supported with English to ensure understanding. Emphasis is placed on pre-reading skills, letter and sound recognition in Spanish. Mathematics and English Language Arts are provided in English. Parents support English reading at home through read-alouds and basic homework help. Spanish is also the language of instruction for science and social studies.
The Pre-K4 program at St. Anthony Catholic School is a journey to discovery that provides students with opportunities to make connections and gain academic skills in a nurturing, faith-based environment. Students are able to grow and develop Christian values that emphasize our loving faith, respect, and consideration of others. Students take part in active lessons that explore academics and allow them to practice their skills through whole group, small group, and individual instruction. Students are able to explore centers, cultivate peer relationships, and develop responsibility. Socialization is key in the learning process and is integrated in all areas to foster a positive self-concept, encourage social and emotional development and problem-solving skills. In addition, the students are enriched through Music, Art, STEM and Physical Education.
Language Arts/Fundamentales de Lenguaje
Students develop early reading, writing, and verbal skills while being exposed to literature through stories, fairy tales, and finger plays. Students will develop a love of reading as they explore book and print concepts during story time, story retelling, and engaging language activities. Pre-writing skills and story creating will be emphasized through free writing and journaling. This allows students to enhance their vocabulary as they dictate sentences and stories to accompany their drawings. Proper letter formation and beginning writing skills are fostered during small group instruction. Rhyming skills, letter knowledge, and letter sounds are worked on throughout the school year to provide a sound foundation for the development of reading in kindergarten. Students will be provided with opportunities to develop listening skills, increase time on task, and follow directions on a daily basis.
Math/Matematicas
Students develop many math skills during Pre-K4 that include counting, sorting, classification, patterning, one-to-one correspondence, sequencing, and graphing. A variety of concrete objects and manipulatives help them develop and understand concepts needed to solve simple problems on a daily basis. Students will engage in songs, finger plays, and hands-on activities as well as calendar activities. Other concepts taught include recognition of basic colors and shapes, numbers up to 30, following directions as well as quantity and positional words. Students are also introduced to math terms such as equal, less, more, addition, and subtraction.
Science/Ciencas Naturales
Science is an exciting part of the Pre-K4 program as the students explore and investigate a number of weather, environmental, and animal themes throughout the year. Students are able to observe, predict, and examine the world around them by using their senses, which promotes questions and exploration of their surroundings. They are able to explore using regular classroom items, such as magnifying glasses, magnets, measurement tools, or easily accessible materials found in nature. Experiments are integrated into weekly instruction, and the students begin to understand concepts such as conservation, preservation, and natural resources.
Social Studies/Ciencias Socials
Students experience a sense of belonging to a community, learn respect and care for themselves as well as others. Social skills are an integral part of the Pre-K4 curriculum where students learn how to interact with others in the classroom setting, while developing skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and sharing. Students will learn skills to help them relate to his or her world through positive interactions with their peers as well as adults. Students will gain independence as they develop self-help skills on basic personal needs. They will learn about the importance of community helpers and explore family and extended community concepts.
Art
Art is an essential part of the K4 program as it promotes fine motor skills, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment in all the students. It provides opportunities for self-expression and is incorporated into all thematic units along with free choice art activities. A variety of media tools such as paint, watercolors, crayons, markers, colored pencils, and dot art are available for the students to use.
Religion
Students learn of God’s love and the gifts He gives, and begin to form Christian values of love, kindness, and helping others. They discover and grow in their relationship with God through activities that emphasize the importance of prayer, Bible stories, the Holy Family, and saints. Students will understand that God created us and the world we live in. Through prayer, participation at weekly prayer service, Bible stories, and songs the students will begin to shape their Catholic identity.
Enrichment
The academic week is completed with engaging classes that include Music, Physical Education, Library, and Technology. Several field trips and in-school programs are provided throughout the school year to enhance the curriculum. Weekly dance classes are also offered after school for registered students.
Pre-K4 Highlights
- Field Trips
- Fine Arts Series
- Storyteller Visits
- Trick-Or-Treating At Incarnate Word High School
- Thematic Cooking Activities
- Live Butterflies and Praying Mantis to Observe
- Blessing Of The Animals
- Book Character Day
- Fiesta Shoebox Parade