School Day Preschool: Where Little Learners Grow

 

During March is Reading Month, the showcase near the entrance of Bates School displayed colorful book art created by the students in Dexter’s School Day  preschool room. Each child was assigned a book that they had previously read in class and they were asked to draw a detailed front cover of their book. 

 

“We talked about what type of details they saw on the front cover of their book like the colors, the characters, the borders, etc.,” says teacher Katie Penix. “We love to hear the excitement in the children’s voices when they explain to their families how they made their piece of artwork.”

 

These four-year-old students are being prepared to move on to Young 5s or Kindergarten using the HighScope curriculum used in all Dexter preschool classrooms.

 

School Day Preschool children are assessed throughout the school year using HighScope’s positive assessment tool called COR Advantage. Teachers assess whether children are meeting specific objectives and record detailed observations across different categories. Content categories include creative art, science and technology, mathematics, social studies, social and emotional development, and physical development and health. The teachers use their observation notes to plan small and large group lessons, to meet each child where he or she is at developmentally, and help them learn and grow in a way that is best for the individual. Teachers share anecdotal observations with each child’s family throughout the school year, which helps foster a strong school-home connection.

 

“At the beginning of the school year, we may see children using a fist pencil grasp,” says Penix. “We use different techniques throughout the year to help children adjust their grip, until they achieve a tripod grasp.”

 

Teachers also encourage students’ conflict resolution skills, problem solving skills, and independence throughout the year. “We work very hard on teaching these skills daily,” Penix shares. “We work on taking turns and using our words. Students are taught how to work through problems with friends by expressing their feelings, discussing the problem, and working together to find a solution.

 

Preschool students work to identify letters, learn letter sounds, and write letters and words. Teachers support each child’s individual developmental needs and scaffold their learning throughout the school year. Scaffolding means that they provide temporary support that helps a student learn a new skill or concept step by step. As the child becomes more confident and capable, the teacher gradually reduces that support so the child can do it independently. This helps children ease into Young 5s or Kindergarten where they will start reading.

 

“Each year, we see so much growth in our children,” shares Penix. “We get feedback from our families on the amount of growth they see at home as well. We build on children’s skills so they can be successful in preschool and ready to move on to Young 5s or Kindergarten in the fall.”

 

While students are working hard on concepts, play is an integral part of their day. Penix shares, “We have fun in preschool. A lot of times we plan lessons for the children and they see it as a fun activity, not realizing they are learning various skills.” 

 

“Please, Mr. Crocodile” is an example of just such a fun learning activity. Children have to ask the crocodile if they may cross the river. The crocodile responds with, “Only if you are wearing [a certain color].” This game teaches children to work on social skills like turn-taking, leadership, and expressing themselves. The students love the game and request it multiple times a week. They will even play it as a large group outside on the playground. “The confidence that some children build through this game and other fun lessons is amazing,” says Penix.

 

Click links below to enjoy a slideshow of the March is Reading Month book art!

 

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