Older Preschool

In the Older Preschool classroom we provide a structured and developmentally appropriate environment for the children to learn, play, grow, and develop in. We love to show the children that learning is fun and enjoyable! We also recognize that each child is an individual, and learns in his or her own way and own pace.

The schedule and curriculum of the daily routines provides a balance of structured lesson plan and learning through play. Importance is also placed on teaching kids about responsibility and relationships. To help you and your child become familiar with our classroom, we have put together this packet. Attached is a daily schedule, a brief description of each dayís activities, a sample of a weekly and monthly lesson plan, and a few other important tidbits! If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. We canít wait to get to know you and your child!

Daily Schedule

Together Time:

Definitions

Together Time: During Together Time we love to read stories, sing songs, discuss the weekly theme, and share ideas. This is also when the children get to experience learning in a large group- setting.

Language: Language includes reading books, felt board stories, finger plays, chants, rhymes, sign language, Spanish, and many more.

Fine Motor/Cognitive: In order to prepare the Older Preschoolers for Kindergarten, there are a variety of things that we practice. We practice writing names in Dí Nealian, ABCís, color words, tracing, etc. There is also time set aside for things like puzzles, manipulative toys, and learning games. Fine motor utilizes finger skills, cognitive makes use of the ability to think, remember, learn, and using awareness skills.

Arts and Crafts: A favorite to many of the children. Art is a chance to express feelings, emotions, and tap into individuality and creativity. Crafts are projects that promote following the directions the teacher sets forth. There is an assortment of art media that the children use including paint, chalk, markers, crayons, glue, feathers, etc.

Dramatic Play: Imaginations run wild when itís time for this learning center. Often times there will be role-playing and pretending involved during dramatic play. Examples include taking care of babies, pretending to be animals, or even playing grocery store. We also like to play games such as Doggie, Doggie, Whereís Your Bone? and Simon Says.

Large Motor: The energy of a preschooler is endless! We spend time outside for thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in the afternoon (length of time varies, due to weather). We enjoy playing tag, Duck, Duck, Grey Duck, Follow the Leader, and exercising. The fun never stops when the kids get to run, jump, throw and just be kids!

Music: During Music we often dance, sing songs, play instruments, and play fun musical games. Some of our favorites are Musical Chairs, Freeze Dance, and Marching Band.

Math/Science: To practice important math skills, we often write our numbers, count and sort, or use flash cards. Science is a blast when we learn about nature, animals, and bugs. There are also times when we explore with play-dough, shaving cream, and magnets.

Movie Day: Every Thursday we set aside about an hour-and-a-half for movies. Children are welcome to bring G-rated or educational movies to watch with their friends. We like to enjoy popcorn and juice on occasion as well.

Show & Tell: Friday is Show & Tell day. Children are allowed to bring something special from home to show and share with their friends. Examples include favorite stuffed animals, new toys, favorite books, etc.

Bike Day: On Bike Day we cone off an area in the back for the children to ride their bikes in. Every child MUST have a helmet and a bike to participate.

Water Day: On Water Day, we cone off an area in the back and set up a sprinkler for the kids to run through and play in. Children need to have their swimsuit and towel to participate. Water shoes are optional. Also, the children are welcome to bring in their favorite sprinkler to share with their friends. No squirt guns please.

Tender Time Learning Center
..."Where every moment is a Tender Time."

Tender Time Learning Center
11221 96th Avenue North, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Phone: 763-425-7777 Fax: +1 763-425-8876