Preschool Skills we are Continuously Working on

 What should Pre-K children learn?These are typical concepts that Pre-K children explore in school, but should not be required to master before entering Kindergarten. Children learn these concepts at their own pace. What is learned in Pre-K is considered a “bonus”. Children are taught with hands-on materials, songs, and games. They are assessed by observation and work samples.

MathMatching: 

objects, symbols, shapes, patterns, etc. 

Same and Different

 Sorting by various attributes: color, shape, size 

Patterns: AB, AABB, ABC, and possibly AAB, ABB

 Identify numerals 1-10 or more 

Counting objects to 10 or moreOne-to-one correspondence of objects when counting 

Sizes: small, medium, large (3 – 5 sizes) 

Shapes: square, rectangle, circle, triangle, oval, hexagon, rhombus (diamond) 

More, Less, Same 

Time: Day and Night, Sand Timer

 Weight: Example, what weighs more or less in a balance scale 

Measuring with non-standard units

 

Literacy 

Exposure to alphabet: letter names and sounds 

Recognize, spell, write first name 

Hold a pencil, marker, crayon correctly 

Retell familiar stories 

Draw pictures and dictate sentences about stories and experiences

 Answer questions about stories

 Repeat simple nursery rhymes and fingerplays 

Phonological Awareness: rhyming, syllables, alliteration 

Concepts of print: left to right direction, holding a book right-side-up

 Build new vocabulary

 Build listening skills 

Strengthen visual discrimination 

Sequencing 

Develop fine motor skills: play dough, scissors, writing utensils, Legos, etc.

 

Science 

Explore science tools: magnets, prisms, magnifying glasses, etc. 

Experience the world through nature walks, gardening, and other explorations 

Observe insect life 

Observe plant growth 

Observe weather and plant life during each season 

Measure and mix ingredients in cooking activitiesIdentify basic colors and explore color mixing 

Make observational drawings and dictation 

Explore the world with the five sensesInvestigate animals, the homes they live in, the food they eat 

Creative Arts

 Explore a variety of art processes: painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving, collage, etc. 

Use a variety of art materials: crayons, tempera paint, watercolor paint, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, art chalk, clay

 Experiment with mixing paint colors 

Sing traditional songs and songs that enhance the curriculum

 Participate in movement songs and dances 

Use scarves, rhythm sticks, and bean bags to practice rhythmsUse a variety of children’s instruments 

Participate in dramatic play

 Dramatize familiar stories 

Act out the movements and sounds of animals 

Social Skills

 Practice problem-solving skills in social situations 

Work in groups or with a partner on a variety of projects 

Share classroom materials with the group 

Practice using manners: please, thank you, excuse me, table manners 

Communicate his/her needs 

Take care of his/her own basic needs: clean up, roll up nap pad, fasten clothing, use tissue as needed, etc.

 State personal information: first and last name, age, school name, city, state, country 

Explore types of work and workersExplore modes of transportation