Early Childhood Program
The learning environment of the Early Childhood Department (grades pre-kindergarten to second) is established to nurture the whole child. Each child, being unique, is given the opportunity to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through developmentally appropriate activities.
The curriculum that is followed by the Early Childhood Department is developed by the Diocese of Orlando. It is a compilation of important concepts in Early Childhood education supported by current research, the National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines, and the Florida Catholic Conference accreditation standards. Any development or revision of this curriculum is completed with the input of the Early Childhood educators at St. Peter Catholic School along with the school administration.
Our curriculum is developmentally appropriate and builds through each grade level, encompassing the major subject areas of Religion, Math, Language Arts, and Science. Social Studies is also covered using special themes such as United States History, Community and Cultural Awareness. These subjects are integrated daily.
Religion in Early Childhood emphasizes God’s love and encourages the children to witness Jesus’ presence in his/her daily lives. Classes participate in daily prayer as well as weekly Mass with the whole school. Children are taught to value their uniqueness as children of a loving God. This environment promotes faith, knowledge and a sense of community where children can feel loved and are able to trust.
Portfolio assessment is used on a smaller scale as a means of evaluation. Samples of student work are used for display as well as for parent/teacher conferences. The work samples are used at conferences to show areas of strength as well as areas of needed improvement.
Writing across the curriculum begins at the pre-kindergarten level with drawings. Children dictate descriptions of his/her pictures to the teacher. Letter introduction also begins at this level. In kindergarten, drawings are usually more detailed due to improvement in small motor skills through formal handwriting instruction and practice. Morning Messages and the use of journals help to develop reading readiness, letter-sound skills and sight word recognition. Inventive spelling can be seen as a progression of the writing process.
In first and second grades, further development of creative writing skills, handwriting and grammar are emphasized. Special area subjects in Early Childhood include: Music, Art, Computer, Spanish, Library, Physical Education, Health and Guidance. Special area teachers work in conjunction with classroom teachers and school administration on activities that relate to classroom academics as well as special events at the school. Music classes for pre-K to second grade are designed to help a young child explore his/her world through music. Music activities reinforce language and physical development. The use of music also helps a child to develop his/her aural experience, and introduces the world of sound and movement to the child. Introduction to the world of sound begins with the discovery of the child’s natural singing and speaking voice, and helps to spark the creativity of the child from within.
Concepts of Art are taught by the Art teacher in pre-K to second grade. Projects allow for creativity and uniqueness while developing already growing fine motor skills. Throughout the year, students learn about the elements and principals of art and how to use them in his/her artwork. Special techniques are combined with many types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative expression, culture and heritage, artists and art history are touched upon at various times during
each project. Art expression is also encouraged within the regular classroom, where projects relate to current themes.
Computer is taught in a lab environment. Instruction is planned cooperatively with the classroom teachers, incorporating current areas of study. Basic skills such as manipulation of the mouse and navigational skills are developed at the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten levels using interactive and engaging programs. Creative writing is further developed at the first and second grade levels using word processing skills.
Spanish instruction at the pre-K and kindergarten levels involves basic oral vocabulary and introductory conversational Spanish. In first and second grade, oral/aural skills are further reinforced and the students are introduced to reading and writing in this language.
Each Early Childhood class visits the Library weekly. Children in pre-K and kindergarten are introduced to many genres of literature. The children are also taught how to select and check out a book. In first and second grades, the children are given greater exposure to the various components of literature. Accelerated Reader and Book-It Programs are also available to students in these grade levels.
Our Physical Education and Health and Guidance curriculums focus on the overall well-being of our students, that is, in body, mind and soul. Each day, P.E. classes are structured to begin with a variety of basic exercises, and fun games to work specific areas of skill (eye/hand, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, body positioning). Teamwork is promoted and students are encouraged to develop qualities of good sportsmanship and leadership in an atmosphere of respect. At the first and second grade levels, students participate in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge, leading to a lifelong commitment to good health. Health and Guidance instruction focuses on personal wellness, nutrition and safety. In addition, the Guidance counselor utilizes theme-based lessons that enhance positive character development.
As children undertake Science activities, for instance, they develop critical thinking and reasoning skills, which they can apply to other subjects. The Science curriculum covers areas of earth science, life science, and physical science.
Through Social Studies discussions and investigations, children appreciate the history of our country and begin to develop a global view of the world. Social Studies in third grade focuses on Communities and Early Civilizations, fourth grade focuses on Florida History and fifth grade focuses on American History.
Music classes are concerned with the structure and use of music in every day life. Students learn about instruments and their sounds, musical forms, and musical styles. Students learn to play simple instruments, construct simple melodic passages, and perform folk dances. They continue to develop their singing voices and learn how to sing simple harmonies.
Throughout the year students learn about the elements and principles of Art and how to apply them in their own projects. Special techniques are combined with many types of media to work on craftsmanship and problem solving through art. The creative process, creative expression, cultural heritage, and art history are touched upon at various times during each project.
Computer skills are taught in a computer lab rather than in individual classrooms. Students are instructed in the proper terminology and use of the computer, and then use programs to practice keyboarding, language, and/or math skills. Students often use the computer for research and type and publish their work.
Library activities build basic library skills and develop reading proficiency. Students are taught to locate and evaluate books for personal reading and for achieving goals in the Accelerated Reading and Book-It programs. Classes have regular weekly visits to the library, but also have access on an “as needed” basis during other library hours.
The elementary Physical Education curriculum focuses on our students being fit in mind, body, and soul. Every year students go through the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge test. Classes are structured with a variety of basic exercises and fun games to work specific skills like eye/hand coordination, eye/foot coordination, under/over hand throwing, spatial awareness, and body positioning. These skills, plus good sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and leadership, lead students to lifelong good health. |
