Teacher’s: Tammi Larsen & Terri Kleinfeldt
Grade: Pre-K (2 classes)

What is taught in Pre-Kindergarten?

Our Pre-K students are  introduced to classroom expectations and rules. Pre-K students learn to follow routines, to obey teachers, and about raising hands, using words to express themselves, walking in a line, to share and follow school schedules, routines and the five ways to be a good listener, etc. Letters, sounds, colors, identifying letters in name, basic calendar skills, recognizing numbers, counting, and Bible stories are all included at the Pre-K level. Pre-Kers are also taught to sort by colors and shapes, identify patterns, write their names, memorize verses, etc. The program  also includes science lessons, social studies, and activities that help develop fine and gross motor skills. 

What curriculum is used in this class?

We have developed a “Scope and Sequence” for our Preschool and Pre K classes. This gives the teachers a set of learning/teaching goals. Our objectives are set as we begin our planning, but the curriculum comes from what the teachers gather in order to meet those goals and objectives. We have files, shelves, and online boards full of reputable materials and resources, and we add to it everyday. With our education, and experience we are able to aptly choose the materials that we incorporate in our well-rounded curriculum. Saxon materials are used with teaching handwriting and number recognition.  Materials from Voyager Bible curriculum are used in many of the Bible lessons.                               

What field trips does this class take? 

The Pre-K students go to the Library once a month. Other activities for the Pre-K include visits from Ballard Ambulance, The Fire Department, and the Wenatchee Police Department. We also enjoy special assemblies throughout the year. During the Spring we walk to Riverfront Park and ride the train.

What special things are done in this class?

This class makes Stone Soup every fall. At the beginning of the year, each family has a project that earns a PIP hour. I send home a cardboard cutout shape of a person. Families can get creative and make the shape look like their child. We use the little person to decorate our hallway and to mark where their artwork goes on the bulletin board. My class includes a Dinosaur unit and Dr. Seuss unit.

Does this class do any theme days or special weeks or other celebrations? 

Thanksgiving Feasts, Stone Soup, Christmas parties, Christmas Musical (All campus), Penguin Day, Northwest Lutheran Schools Week, Spring Musical (All campus), Easter Celebrations, Apple Blossom Parade (All campus), Youth Day Apple Blossom Performance, (All campus) Mother’s Day Tea, Jog-a-thon, (All campus), Drop in Day for Dads , and the End of the Year Carnival.

Teacher Comments:

I feel like our kids feel very comfortable and connected here. I really see that they feel like they are with “family” when they are here at school. I see children very confident when trying new skills. And, I really notice how respectful and kind they seem to be to each other and to community members while participating in community events.

Special Times:

During my first year, here at St. Paul’s, I had a student who was just so shy. Such a contrast to the loud and boisterous group of kids in her class. She would not play at choice time, and she would only walk around with teachers at recess time. All year, we tried to coax her out of her shell. As time went by, we could get quiet one-word responses from her, but she would not talk unless she absolutely had to. She would rather walk around with the teachers than play on the playground equipment or with classmates. As she went through to Pre-K, she became comfortable and relaxed and we started seeing her play with others. The day we realized that she was playing on the playground with friends was a happy one. It was right about the time that she became brave enough to raise her hand and respond to questions at circle time. I love seeing the growth and confidence that develops in our kids.